Spiced Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Butter Sauce

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

Blackened catfish fillets coated in a bold Cajun spice blend, pan-seared to perfection and served with a tangy lemon butter sauce. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs catfish fillets, cajun seasoning, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides evenly with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the catfish fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a dark crust forms and the fish flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; simmer the sauce for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Pour the lemon butter sauce over the catfish fillets and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Spiced Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Butter Sauce?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Cajun 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 Spiced Cajun 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 Spiced Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Butter Sauce?

Southern 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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