Seared Cajun-Spiced Blackened Catfish with Lemon Butter Sauce
Pan-seared catfish filets coated in a smoky Cajun spice blend, served with a bright, tangy lemon butter sauce for an easy seafood dinner. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends (6 oz each) catfish filets, paprika, cayenne pepper 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 310 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 filets
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Cajun spice blend.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 catfish filets (6 oz each) with paper towels. Rub both sides of the filets evenly with the spice blend.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the catfish filets and sear for 4 minutes on each side until the edges are blackened and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Remove the catfish from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate. Reduce heat to medium-low and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet.
- Step 5: Once the butter melts and starts to foam, stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the catfish filets and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seared Cajun-Spiced Blackened Catfish with Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Seared Cajun-Spiced Blackened Catfish with Lemon Butter 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 Seared Cajun-Spiced Blackened Catfish with Lemon Butter 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 Seared Cajun-Spiced Blackened Catfish with Lemon Butter 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 Seared Cajun-Spiced Blackened Catfish with Lemon Butter 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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