Grilled Texan-Style Cedar Plank Catfish with Spicy Cajun Rub
This grilled catfish seasoned with a bold Cajun spice blend and cooked on a cedar plank brings smoky flavor and a touch of heat, perfect for an outdoor cookout. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 olive oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 plank, soaked in water for 1 hour cedar plank
- 4 wedges for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Cajun rub.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each), then brush each fillet evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil. Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the fillets until fully coated.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Place the soaked cedar plank directly on the grill grates and close the lid; heat for 3-5 minutes until it starts to smoke.
- Step 4: Arrange the seasoned catfish fillets on the cedar plank and close the grill lid. Cook for 12-15 minutes, checking after 10 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the plank from the grill using tongs and serve immediately with 4 lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Texan-Style Cedar Plank Catfish with Spicy Cajun Rub take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Texan-Style Cedar Plank 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Texan-Style Cedar Plank 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 Grilled Texan-Style Cedar Plank 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 Grilled Texan-Style Cedar Plank Catfish with Spicy Cajun Rub?
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.
