Blackened Catfish with Cajun Remoulade
A vibrant blackened catfish fillet seasoned with bold Cajun spices and paired with a tangy remoulade sauce that sings with every bite. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, paprika, cayenne pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp capers, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the blackening spice mix.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and evenly coat both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil. Generously rub the blackening spice mix onto both sides of each fillet.
- Step 3: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and place the catfish fillets in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until a dark crust forms and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp chopped capers, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to create the remoulade sauce.
- Step 5: Serve the blackened catfish fillets topped with a generous spoonful of the Cajun remoulade sauce alongside your choice of sides.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Blackened Catfish with Cajun Remoulade take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Blackened Catfish with Cajun Remoulade?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Blackened Catfish with Cajun Remoulade?
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 Catfish with Cajun Remoulade 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 Catfish with Cajun Remoulade?
Southern 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.
