Blackened Catfish

Elevate your dinner game with the bold and flavorful Blackened Catfish, a quick and easy Southern-inspired recipe that’s bursting with spice and zest. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and fragrant herbs like thyme and oregano, each fillet is seared to perfection in a hot cast-iron skillet, creating a smoky, caramelized crust that’s packed with character. This 20-minute recipe uses melted butter to enhance the richness of the fish while a final touch of fresh lemon juice brightens every bite. Simple to prepare yet bursting with complexity, this dish pairs beautifully with creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or even a tangy cucumber salad for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining. Whether you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine or just looking for a new seafood favorite, Blackened Catfish is a must-try dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces catfish fillets
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 pieces lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well to make the blackening seasoning.

Step 2

Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Rub a generous amount of the seasoning onto both sides of each fillet, pressing it in gently.

Step 3

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe dish or small saucepan.

Step 4

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Brush one side of each fillet with melted butter and place it butter-side down in the hot skillet.

Step 6

Cook the fillets for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the spices form a dark crust.

Step 7

Brush the top side of each fillet with melted butter, then carefully flip them over using a spatula. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 8

Transfer the cooked catfish to a plate and let rest for 1-2 minutes.

Step 9

Serve the blackened catfish with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	518.6 grams (518.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1002

Total Fat 74.60g	96%
Saturated Fat 33.50g	168%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 404mg	135%
Sodium 1397mg	61%
Total Carbohydrate 11.00g	4%
Dietary Fiber 4.10g	15%
Total Sugars 1.30g
Protein 76.20g	152%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 108mg	8%
Iron 4mg	19%
Potassium 1445mg	31%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.8%

Protein: 29.9%

Carbs: 4.3%