Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Catfish with Smoky Red Pepper Sauce

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

A vibrant pan-seared catfish dish coated in Cajun spices, served with a smoky roasted red pepper sauce that sings with bold flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, Cajun seasoning, olive oil 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 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and coat evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 1 tsp smoked paprika, pressing gently.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 4 minutes per side until the crust is dark and fish flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 small minced shallot, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Blend until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the sauce to a small saucepan, heat over medium, stirring occasionally until warm and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Plate the catfish and spoon the smoky red pepper sauce over the top. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Catfish with Smoky Red Pepper Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Catfish with Smoky Red Pepper 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 Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Catfish with Smoky Red Pepper 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 Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Catfish with Smoky Red Pepper 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 Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Catfish with Smoky Red Pepper Sauce?

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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