Blackened Branzino with Cajun Spices and Lemon Aioli

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Whole branzino fish blackened with a spicy Cajun rub and served with a zesty homemade lemon aioli. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 27 minutes blends olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Cajun spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 whole branzino (about 1 lb each) and rub both inside and out evenly with 3 tbsp olive oil, then generously coat with the Cajun spice mix.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Place the fish in the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, turning carefully, until the fish is blackened and cooked through, with opaque flesh that flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: While the fish cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl to make the lemon aioli.
  5. Step 5: Serve the blackened branzino hot with a dollop of lemon aioli on the side and garnish with lemon wedges.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Blackened Branzino with Cajun Spices and Lemon Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Blackened Branzino with Cajun Spices and Lemon Aioli?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Blackened Branzino with Cajun Spices and Lemon Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Blackened Branzino with Cajun Spices and Lemon Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Blackened Branzino with Cajun Spices and Lemon Aioli?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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