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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove moisture, creating optimal conditions for a crisp exterior.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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