Quick Cajun Blackened Catfish with Spiced Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-11 · Updated 2026-05-11

Pan-seared catfish fillets coated in a bold Cajun seasoning, served atop fragrant spiced rice for a fast Southern-inspired dinner. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) catfish fillets, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 (6 oz each) catfish fillets
• 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 small, finely chopped onion
• 2, minced garlic clove
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper
• for serving fresh lemon wedges
• 2 tbsp for garnish chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat and sauté 1 small finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, and 1/2 cup diced celery for 4 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add rinsed rice, 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir well to coat rice with spices.
3. Step 3: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, pat dry 4 catfish fillets with paper towels and evenly coat both sides with 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
5. Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add catfish fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through, with a crisp spice crust.
6. Step 6: Plate catfish fillets over a bed of spiced rice. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing.
7. Step 7: Enjoy this quick, flavorful meal with bold Southern flavors and a smoky finish.