Spicy Blackened Catfish Recipe: A Bold Southern Classic

Sizzling skillets and bold flavors come together in this mouthwatering blackened catfish recipe that will spice up your dinner routine.

Southern cooking traditions blend perfectly with zesty Cajun techniques to create an unforgettable seafood experience.

Each tender piece of catfish gets coated in a rich, aromatic blend of spices that promises to awaken your taste buds.

The deep, rustic brown crust locks in moisture while delivering an intense flavor profile that makes this dish truly special.

Crispy on the outside and delicately flaky on the inside, this catfish preparation turns an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you can bring the robust flavors of Louisiana straight to your kitchen.

Get ready to savor every remarkable bite of this bold and irresistible seafood masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Spice Lineup for Blackened Catfish

• Cajun Seasoning: Brings fiery Creole magic to your fish, packed with bold spices that dance on your palate. Choose a high-quality blend or craft your own for a personalized kick.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salted Butter: Creates a luscious, golden coating that helps blacken the fish and adds rich, buttery depth. Select a robust olive oil and use fresh, quality butter for maximum flavor.

• Catfish Fillets: Delivers a tender, mild white fish perfect for absorbing Cajun spices. Look for fresh, sustainably sourced fillets with a clean, oceanic smell and firm texture.

• Lemon: Provides a zesty, citrusy finish that cuts through the richness and elevates the entire dish. Select a ripe, juicy lemon with vibrant yellow skin and a fragrant aroma.

Cast‑Iron Gear for Blackened Catfish

• Cast Iron Skillet: Heavy-duty pan perfect for creating a crispy, even sear on the catfish.
• Brush: Silicone or pastry brush for evenly coating fillets with oil and butter mixture.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing oil and butter, and preparing the seasoning blend.
• Paper Towels: Essential for patting fish dry to ensure a golden, crispy exterior.
• Fork: Helps check fish doneness and flaking texture.
• Tongs: Ideal for carefully flipping delicate fish fillets without breaking them.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing and seasoning the fish.
• Measuring Spoon: Helps accurately measure Cajun seasoning and oil.
• Lemon Wedge Plate: Serves fresh lemon slices alongside the cooked catfish.

Blackening Technique for Blackened Catfish

• Fillet Preparation

Pat catfish dry to create a perfect golden exterior when cooking. This helps achieve a crispy texture that locks in delicious flavors.

• Seasoning Magic

Brush fillets with olive oil and butter blend. Sprinkle generously with Cajun spices, allowing the seasonings to meld with the fish for maximum taste sensation.

• Skillet Heating

Warm a cast iron pan over high heat with a touch of olive oil. The goal is creating an intensely hot surface that will instantly sear the fish.

• Searing Technique

Gently place seasoned fillets into the scorching pan. Listen for the satisfying sizzle that signals perfect contact. Lower heat and cook until edges turn golden brown.

• Final Cooking

Carefully flip fish, continuing to cook until the center becomes translucent and flakes effortlessly. The goal is a tender, juicy interior with a crisp exterior.

• Serving Delight

Transfer catfish to a warm plate. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges, squeezing bright citrus over the fish to elevate its natural flavors and add a zesty finish.

Heat‑Level Adjustments for Blackened Catfish

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Experiment with different Cajun seasoning blends to find your perfect spice level. Some brands offer mild, medium, and hot variations that can transform the dish's heat profile.
• Fish Freshness Tip: Always choose fresh catfish from a trusted fishmonger. Look for firm, translucent flesh without any strong fishy odor to guarantee the best taste and texture.
• Skillet Selection Secret: Cast iron skillets work best for achieving that perfect blackened crust. If you don't have one, a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan can be an excellent alternative for even heat distribution.
• Herb Infusion Magic: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the cooked fish for a bright, fresh finish. These herbs complement the bold Cajun spices and add a pop of color to the plate.
• Sidekick Suggestions: Pair this catfish with creamy coleslaw, dirty rice, or roasted vegetables to create a complete Southern-inspired meal that balances the fish's bold flavors.

Serving Style for Blackened Catfish

• Zesty Citrus Companion: Pair the blackened catfish with a vibrant lemon-herb rice pilaf that complements the spicy Cajun seasoning and adds a fresh, tangy twist to the dish.
• Southern Comfort Plate: Serve alongside creamy coleslaw and cornbread to create a classic Southern-style meal that balances the fish's bold flavors with cool, creamy textures.
• Veggie Sidekick Delight: Roast some colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus with a light olive oil and garlic seasoning to provide a nutritious and visually appealing accompaniment to the blackened catfish.
• Fresh Salsa Topper: Whip up a quick mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice to add a bright, tropical burst of flavor that cuts through the fish's spicy crust.

Storage Guide for Blackened Catfish

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover blackened catfish in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping it fresh for 1-2 days. Always place the fish in the coldest section to maintain its quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual catfish fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen blackened catfish remains delicious for up to 3 weeks when sealed properly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Gentle Reheating Method: Warm your leftover catfish in a preheated oven at 275°F for 10-12 minutes. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve the fish's crispy exterior.
• Flavor-Boosting Storage Tip: Add a small slice of lemon or fresh herbs inside the storage container to help maintain the fish's vibrant taste. This trick helps prevent flavor degradation and keeps the catfish tasting fresh during refrigeration.

Crispy Blackened Catfish Recipe

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• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy blackened catfish emerges as a bold Southern classic with deep Louisiana roots. Seared cast-iron fillets deliver intense flavor and crispy texture for hungry diners seeking authentic regional cuisine.

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Ingredients

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• 4 fresh catfish fillets
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) salted butter, melted
• 1 medium lemon
• Cajun seasoning, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove moisture, creating optimal conditions for a crisp exterior.
2. Seasoning: Brush fillets with olive oil and melted butter, then generously coat with Cajun seasoning on both sides, allowing spices to infuse for 3-5 minutes.
3. Heating Skillet: Preheat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a thin layer of olive oil, waiting until the surface shimmers with intense heat.
4. Cooking First Side: Carefully place seasoned fillets into the scorching skillet, listening for the immediate sizzling sound. Reduce heat to low-medium and cook for 3-4 minutes until edges turn deep brown.
5. Finishing Cooking: Flip fillets gently with a spatula, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until fish becomes opaque and flakes easily with fork pressure.
6. Serving: Transfer blackened catfish to plates, squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the fillets to enhance the robust Cajun flavors just before serving.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat fillets dry to guarantee a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor.
• Seasoning Strategy: Allow Cajun spices to rest on fish for 3-5 minutes, helping them penetrate deeply and create a more intense taste profile.
• Heat Control: Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and develop a stunning, dark crust without burning the delicate fish.
• Lemon Finishing: Add fresh lemon juice just before serving to cut through the rich, spicy flavors and enhance the overall brightness of the dish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg