Tuscaloosa-Inspired Cajun Blackened Catfish

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-20 · Updated 2026-05-20

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A pan-seared catfish fillet coated in a robust Cajun blackening spice blend that delivers bold, smoky heat with every bite. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs catfish fillets, paprika, cayenne pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 280 cal/serving

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Ingredients

4 (6 oz each) catfish fillets
2 tbsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4, for serving lemon wedges

The cast-iron skillet we’d sear this in → Best Cast Iron Skillets for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

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Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the Cajun blackening spice.
Step 2: Pat dry 4 (6 oz each) catfish fillets with paper towels. Evenly coat both sides of each fillet with the spice mix, pressing it into the flesh.
Step 3: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3 minutes. Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and allow it to melt and foam.
Step 4: Place the seasoned catfish fillets in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until the edges are crispy and the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with 4 lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.