Description
This Cajun Blackened Catfish recipe features tender catfish fillets coated in a bold, smoky blend of Cajun spices and pan-seared in a cast iron skillet. Perfectly blackened with a flavorful crust and served with zesty lemon wedges, it makes for an easy, quick, and impressive main course that brings the taste of the South to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Catfish and Seasoning
- 4 catfish fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat Dry the Catfish: Use paper towels to pat the catfish fillets dry, ensuring excess moisture is removed for a better crust during cooking.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
- Butter and Season the Fillets: Brush both sides of each fillet with melted butter, then generously coat each fillet with the seasoning mixture, pressing it in to adhere well to the surface.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot, about 4–5 minutes. Do not add any oil to the pan.
- Cook the Catfish: Place the fillets in the dry skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side. Cook until the exterior is darkened and blackened, and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the fillets from the skillet and serve right away with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for brightness.
Notes
- Blackened catfish pairs well with sides like coleslaw, dirty rice, or roasted vegetables.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Use a well-ventilated kitchen as blackening can produce smoke due to high heat.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a high smoke point oil such as avocado or grapeseed oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
