Cajun-Smoked Catfish with Spiced Cornbread

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Blackened Cajun-spiced catfish fillets smoked to perfection, served alongside moist, spiced cornbread for a Southern BBQ-inspired meal. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 100 minutes pairs (6 oz each) catfish fillets, tablespoons cajun seasoning, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 15 min Cook: 85 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 250°F and prepare for indirect smoking.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and rub each with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning evenly, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil to coat.
  3. Step 3: Place the catfish fillets on the smoker grate and smoke for 1 hour until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F for the cornbread.
  5. Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
  6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter.
  7. Step 7: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined, then fold in 1 tablespoon diced jalapeño and 2 tablespoons diced green onions.
  8. Step 8: Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Step 9: Serve the smoked Cajun catfish alongside warm spiced cornbread for a flavorful Southern BBQ experience.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Smoked Catfish with Spiced Cornbread take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (15 min prep + 85 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 Cajun-Smoked Catfish with Spiced Cornbread?

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 (6 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Smoked Catfish with Spiced Cornbread?

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 Cajun-Smoked Catfish with Spiced Cornbread 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 Cajun-Smoked Catfish with Spiced Cornbread?

American bbq & smoked 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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