Cajun Blackened Catfish is a spiced and seared fish dish known for its smoky crust. It is made by coating catfish with Cajun spices and frying until it flakes.
You Will Love This Cajun Blackened Catfish
Description
Cajun Blackened Catfish is a spiced and seared fish dish known for its smoky crust. It is made by coating catfish with Cajun spices and frying until it flakes.
Ingredients
Instructions
PREPARE THE CATFISH
Rinse the catfish fillets gently under cold running water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Lay them out on a clean cutting board or tray. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of each fillet, pressing the spices gently to help them adhere. Let the seasoned fillets rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Tip: Drying the fillets thoroughly helps achieve a crisp crust when cooking. Allowing the seasoning to sit ensures a more robust flavor.
HEAT THE SKILLET
Place a heavy-bottomed skillet, such as cast iron, over medium-high heat and let it heat up for about 2 minutes. Once hot, add the olive oil and swirl it around to coat the pan evenly. Allow the oil to shimmer but not smoke, indicating it's ready for cooking.
Tip: Using a cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and creating that signature blackened crust.
COOK THE CATFISH
Carefully lay each fillet in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the first side for 3-4 minutes without moving the fillets to develop a dark, flavorful crust. Flip the fillets gently with a fish spatula and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter.
Tip: Avoid flipping the fillets too soon, as this can disrupt the crust. If your skillet is small, cook in batches to maintain high heat.
PLATE AND SERVE
Place the cooked catfish fillets on individual plates or a serving platter. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze lemon juice over the fish just before serving to balance the bold spices with a fresh, tangy flavor.
Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Pair with sides like coleslaw, rice, or sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 280kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Cholesterol 80mg27%
- Sodium 450mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
- Protein 35g70%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
HELPFUL TOOLS:
non-stick skillet, fish spatula, kitchen tongs
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