Blackened Catfish with Spicy Cajun Rub
A bold blackened catfish fillet seasoned with a vibrant Cajun spice blend, inspired by the soulful rhythms of jazz. This southern us-inspired seafood ready in about 20 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 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets
- 2 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 salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- for serving lemon wedges
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over, enhancing the smoky, spicy flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Blackened Catfish with Spicy Cajun Rub take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Spicy Cajun Rub?
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 Spicy Cajun Rub?
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 Spicy Cajun Rub 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 Spicy Cajun Rub?
Southern US 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.
