Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Texas Honey Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky grilled catfish fillet accented by a spicy Cajun rub and a sweet honey glaze inspired by Texas flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs olive oil, 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the Cajun spice mix.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (about 6 oz each), then brush each with 3 tbsp olive oil evenly on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Rub the Cajun spice mix over both sides of the catfish fillets thoroughly, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, about 400°F.
  5. Step 5: Place the seasoned catfish fillets on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has grill marks.
  6. Step 6: While the fish cooks, mix 2 tbsp Texas wildflower honey with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice in a small bowl.
  7. Step 7: During the last minute of grilling, brush the honey-lemon glaze over the fillets and let it caramelize slightly.
  8. Step 8: Remove the catfish from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Texas Honey Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Texas Honey Glaze?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Texas Honey Glaze?

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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Texas Honey Glaze 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Texas Honey Glaze?

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.

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