Blackened Fish
Blackened Fish
Blackened fish is a mouthwatering dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. It features fish fillets coated in a spicy seasoning blend, then cooked until charred and smoky. This recipe is simple to prepare and is perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
Making blackened fish is a great choice for several reasons. First, it is quick to cook, taking only a few minutes on the stove. Second, the blend of spices gives the fish a unique and bold flavor that everyone will love. Lastly, it’s a healthy dish, packed with protein and low in carbs, making it ideal for those watching their diets.
How to Make Blackened Fish
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 6 (4 ounce) fillets trout
Directions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Mix together paprika, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, cumin, black pepper, white pepper, thyme, and salt in a small bowl.
- Heat a heavy cast iron pan on high heat until extremely hot, about 10 minutes. While the pan is heating, pour 3/4 cup melted butter into a shallow dish.
- Dip each fillet into butter, turning once to coat both sides.
- Sprinkle both sides of fillets with spice mixture; gently pat mixture onto fish.
- Working in batches, place fillets into the hot pan without crowding. Carefully pour about 1 teaspoon melted butter over each fillet. Cook until fish has a charred bottom, about 2 minutes. Turn fillets and spoon about 1 teaspoon melted butter over each.
- Continue cooking until bottoms are charred, 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining fish. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Blackened Fish
Serve blackened fish hot right off the pan. It goes well with white rice, a fresh salad, or some steamed vegetables. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice on top for extra zing.
How to Store Blackened Fish
If you have leftovers, let the fish cool down, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.
Tips to Make Blackened Fish
- Make sure your pan is very hot before adding the fish. This helps achieve the right char.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste.
Variation
You can use other types of fish, such as salmon or catfish, instead of trout. The seasoning works wonderfully with various fish options.
FAQs
1. Can I use oil instead of butter?
While butter gives the best flavor and char, you can use oil if you prefer a lighter version. Just note that the taste might change slightly.
2. What can I serve with blackened fish?
Blackened fish pairs well with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce for added flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can bake blackened fish in the oven at a high temperature, but it may not achieve the same char as cooking in a hot pan.
Enjoy your delicious blackened fish, an easy and flavorful dish that everyone will love!