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An overhead image of blackened cod loins with a vibrant green salad

Blackened Cod with Spring Salad and Avocado Crema

Cod loin rubbed in blackening seasoning then pan fried and served with a spring salad, avocado crema, queso fresco and lime. This light fish dinner is packed with flavor, nutrition and freshness. And, it takes just 20 minutes to pull together.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 484 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Ingredients
  

Avocado Crema

  • 1 avocado
  • 1 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves and stems, reserve a few leaves for salad
  • 1 bunch scallions, trimmed reserve 2 scallions for salad
  • 1 lime, juice of
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the blackened cod

  • 24 ounces cod loin skinless, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional; add more if you prefer more heat)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the salad

  • 4 ounces baby lettuce we use Little Leaf Farms baby crispy green leaf lettuce
  • 1/2 cup pea shoots optional
  • 1 avocado thinly sliced
  • 2 ounces Queso fresco crumbled

For serving

  • 1 lime cut into wedges or rounds

Instructions
 

  • Make the avocado crema by adding avocado, cilantro, scallions, lime juice, salt and pepper to a food processor. Pulse a few times. Drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil. Pulse again until smooth. Season with more salt, if needed.
  • Make the blackening seasoning by combining onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Mix well.
  • Using a paper towel or kitchen towel, pat the cod dry; you want to remove as much of the moisture as you can. You do this so the fish develops a beautiful blackened crust.
  • Sprinkle the blackening seasoning over the cod loins on all sides and press the blackened seasoning into the flesh.
  • Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add butter and oil to the skillet. Because blackening can create a lot of smoke, turn on your exhaust fan and open windows in the kitchen (if possible).
  • Add the cod to the pan once the pan is hot. Cook for 4-5 minutes (don’t touch the fish during this time), you want a nice blackened crust to develop. Flip fish and cook another 3-4 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. This will vary depending on the thickness of your cod loins. Cod is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches just about 140 degrees F in the center of the thickest part of the fillet, as measured with a meat thermometer; the fish will continue to rise in temperature to a safe temp of 145 degrees F. The flesh will turn from translucent to opaque and pearly white and will flake easily with a fork when inserted in the thickest part of the flesh. Remove the cod from heat.
  • Place lettuce, optional pea shoots, avocado slices and queso fresco on a large platter. Drizzle with avocado crema and sprinkle with cilantro leaves, reserved scallions. Place cod on the platter next to the salad. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

You can use cod fillets instead of cod loin, you’ll just need to adjust the cooking time, as cod fillets will be thinner and therefore will cook more quickly than the loin.
Save any leftover avocado crema in an air tight container with a lid. Sauce will keep 1-2 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 484kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 36gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 654mgPotassium: 1357mgFiber: 8gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2880IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Blackened Cod
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