Description
This Cajun Blackened Catfish recipe delivers a bold and spicy flavor with a perfectly blackened crust achieved by coating catfish fillets in a robust blend of Cajun spices and cooking them in melted butter. Quick to prepare and cooked in a cast-iron skillet, this dish offers a smoky, flavorful seafood experience that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Main
- 4 (4-ounce) catfish fillets, skinned
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a shallow bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, dried oregano, and dried thyme thoroughly to create the blackening spice mixture.
- Coat the Catfish: Pat the catfish fillets dry and press them firmly into the spice mixture, ensuring an even and generous coating on both sides for maximum flavor and a good crust.
- Melt the Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a separate bowl and set aside. This will be used both for cooking the fish and to drizzle over the finished fillets for added richness.
- Preheat the Cast Iron Skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot; this step is critical for achieving the blackened crust. Pour about ¼ cup of the melted butter into the skillet, letting it heat until it begins to smoke slightly. Cooking in a well-ventilated area or outdoors is recommended due to smoke production.
- Cook the Catfish: Carefully place the seasoned catfish fillets in the smoking-hot buttered skillet. Cook for approximately 3 minutes on each side. The fish should develop a charred blackened crust while becoming opaque and flaky inside, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the catfish from the skillet and drizzle the remaining melted butter over the fillets to enhance moisture and flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best blackening effect and even heat distribution.
- Cook in a well-ventilated kitchen or outdoors to handle the smoke produced by blackening.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level if desired.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Pair with sides like rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
