Cajun Blackened Catfish

4.7
(73)
58 Reviews
12 Photos

This is a blackened catfish recipe that I obtained from a very good Cajun friend who is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana. His friendly family welcomed me in many years ago, and we have swapped many Cajun and Creole recipes through the years.

Submitted by Paul Schultz
Updated on October 31, 2023
Tested by
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 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

  • 4 (4 ounce) catfish fillets, skinned

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter

Directions

  1. Mix together salt, black and cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, oregano, and thyme in a shallow bowl until thoroughly combined. Press catfish fillets into the spice mixture to thoroughly coat.

  2. Melt butter in a bowl and set aside.

  3. Arrange a portable heat source outdoors, such as a butane burner or side burner of a gas grill. Light the burner, and place a large cast-iron skillet onto the burner over high heat. Pour about 1/4 cup melted butter into the skillet.

  4. When butter in the skillet is smoking hot, lay catfish fillets into the skillet. Cook until the spices are burned onto the fillets and the catfish is opaque and flaky inside, about 3 minutes per side. Don't breathe the smoke.

  5. To serve, pour remaining 1/2 cup butter over the catfish.

Recipe Tip

This recipe calls for cooking outside because of the intense smoking.

Editor's Note:

Please note differences in ingredient amounts when following the magazine version of this recipe.

109 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

466 Calories
43g Fat
2g Carbs
18g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 466
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 43g 55%
Saturated Fat 24g 120%
Cholesterol 144mg 48%
Sodium 546mg 24%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 18g 36%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 35mg 3%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 396mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.