Blackened Catfish with Spicy Cajun Rub

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A bold blackened catfish fillet seasoned with a vibrant Cajun spice blend. This Southern US-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs catfish fillets, paprika, cayenne pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Southern US cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create a Cajun spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) with paper towels, then evenly coat each fillet on both sides with the Cajun spice rub.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the seasoned catfish fillets to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on the first side without moving, until a dark crust forms and edges are crispy.
  5. Step 5: Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over, enhancing the smoky, spicy flavors.

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