# blackened

/ˈbɫækənd/ (US) · /blˈækənd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blackened
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to cook food over a very hot fire or in a pan until it gets a dark, crispy crust. You usually do this to meat or fish to give it a strong, smoky flavor.

For teachers: to cook food, typically meat or fish, over an intense heat source until the surface is charred and blackened. Often associated with the 'blackened' style of cooking popularized by chefs like Paul Prudhomme.

## Examples

- He blackened the salmon for dinner.
- The chef blackened the steak to create a thick, flavorful crust before finishing it with a red wine sauce.
- While traditional grilling focuses on even heat distribution, blackening requires a high-temperature sear to achieve that signature charred exterior without overcooking the interior.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.