Cajun-Spiced Blackened Catfish with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Flaky catfish fillets coated in smoky Cajun spices, served with a bright, herby sauce. This cajun-inspired seafood ready in about 23 minutes blends (6 oz each) catfish fillets, paprika, garlic powder 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 290 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) catfish fillets
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 catfish fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne, and 1 tsp dried thyme.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place seasoned catfish in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 3: Flip catfish and cook for 3-4 minutes more until opaque and flaky. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Step 4: Zest 1 lemon and squeeze 1 tbsp juice into a bowl. Finely chop 2 tbsp fresh dill, add to the bowl with 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and stir until combined.
- Step 5: Drizzle lemon-dill sauce over the catfish fillets immediately before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cajun-Spiced Blackened Catfish with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Blackened Catfish with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
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 Cajun-Spiced Blackened Catfish with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
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-Spiced Blackened Catfish with Lemon-Dill Sauce 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-Spiced Blackened Catfish with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Cajun 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to seafood dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
