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This spicy, buttery pan fried Cajun Blackened Catfish takes just 15 MINUTES to make! Melt-in-your mouth tender and coated with a flavorful array of herbs and spices, this fish should definitely be on your weekly menu!

I know what you're thinking, "who could possibly love catfish?" Well guys, that person is me. Because catfish is delicious. I feel like it is far more forgiving than other fish, and always comes out perfectly tender and juicy.
And the flavor of the fish is so mild, so it is perfect for an intensely flavored dish like this Cajun Blackened Catfish.
Plus it takes 15 minutes. Yes, 15 minutes to spicy, melt-in-your-mouth buttery perfection.
If you love Cajun flavors, don't forget to check out this Chicken Etouffee or this Louisiana Seafood Gumbo.
This Cajun seafood boil can be really fun too!
Is Blackened Catfish Spicy?
Blackened catfish typically is spicy due to the cayenne pepper, however, different seasoning blends can have differing spice levels.
Why This Recipe Works
The mild flavor of the catfish goes perfectly with the intense flavor of the blackened spices.
The use of butter to fry the catfish results in a rich, buttery flavor that is incredible.
It's a recipe you can have on the table in less than 20 minutes.
The Ingredients
Catfish is easy to find. It should be available in just about every grocery store out there, either fresh or frozen. Obviously, the fresher fish you buy, the better your dish will be, which is what I recommend shooting for. And it's cheap. While usually not my concern while cooking (it is in every aspect of my life), I enjoy enjoy having a cheap, delicious meal that's not Taco Bell.
The blackened seasoning is also key in this dish (duh....the recipe is blackened cajun catfish.....).
What is Blackened Seasoning?
If you've never cooked with blackened seasoning, you have been missing out! It is an amazing flavor packed seasoning consisting of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, thyme and salt (among others).
I fry the catfish in butter because, well, butter is awesome. However, be aware that butter does not have a very high smoke point. Meaning you may get some smoking. Just use the fan while cooking and you should be fine.
Step By Step Instructions
Coat the catfish fillets in the blackened seasoning and sprinkle with salt.
Heat the butter in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
***If the pan starts to smoke, turn on the fan. Remove from heat and serve with this amazingly delicious Red Gravy.
Cook's Tips
You want to use enough blackened seasoning to coat all sides of the fish.
Mix the salt with the blackened seasoning to make application easier.
The blackened seasoning tends to smoke when cooking, so it is best to turn on a fan and/or open a window to prevent the smoke alarm from going off.
The catfish can be substituted with other types of fish if desired. However, I recommend using something mild in flavor like halibut or cod.
The seasoning may cause the fish to look slightly burned after cooking, but that's what gives it it's name. HOWEVER, if the pan starts to smoke too much while cooking, add an additional 1-2 tbsp. of butter and reduce the heat just slightly.
The catfish is great on it's own, but even better with served with New Orleans Red Gravy.
What Do You Serve With Blackened Cajun Catfish?
Serve with Cajun Dirty Rice and this Creole "Red" Gravy. Obliviously both are optional. Serve it with whatever makes you happy.
Tools Used
More Cajun Seafood Recipes
- Cajun Crawfish Egg Rolls
- Fried Alligator Bites
Crawfish Pie
Shrimp and Sausage Quiche
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
Pan Fried Blackened Catfish
Ingredients
- 1 lbs. catfish fillets (about 4-6 fillets)
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp. Blackened seasoning**
- 1 tsp. Sea salt (more to taste if desired)
Instructions
- Coat the catfish fillets in the blackened seasoning and sprinkle with salt.Â
- Heat butter in cast iron skillet over medium high heat. The pan may be smoking slightly - that's ok.
- Add the catfish fillets and cook for 5 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and serve. Add additional salt to taste if desired.
Expert Tips:
- You want to use enough blackened seasoning to coat all sides of the fish. This is typically between 2-3 tbsp. for me.
- Mix the salt with the blackened seasoning to make application easier.
- The blackened seasoning tends to smoke when cooking, so it is best to turn on a fan and/or open a window to prevent the smoke alarm from going off.
- The catfish can be substituted with other types of fish if desired. However, I recommend using something mild in flavor like halibut or cod.Â
- The seasoning may cause the fish to look slightly burned after cooking, but that's what gives it it's name. HOWEVER, if the pan starts to smoke too much while cooking, add an additional 1-2 tbsp. of butter and reduce the heat just slightly.Â
Nutrition
[nutrifox id="29612"]
Linda L Brown
Love, love, love catfish. And if people want to skip making the blackened seasoning, I use Old Bay Blackened Seasoning. Great time-friendly and delicious recipe!
Danielle
Catfish is such an underrated fish! It's so delicious.
Stephanie
Such a delicious and easy dinner idea! Your photos are gorgeous and the flavors of this dish are amazing!
Danielle
Thanks so much Stephanie!
Lathiya
I love fish and love it have in any way. This blackened catfish looks amazing and with few ingredients, it looks my kind of recipe.Can I use this recipe to make any fish?
Danielle
You can totally use any fish. I recommend using a white fish as the flavor really shines, but any fish will work.
Shweta koul
Though I don't like fish that much, but your recipe seems quite delicious. Maybe I can give it a try.
Danielle
Thanks Shweta!
Kari Heron | Chef and Steward
This looks sooooooo good! I first had catfish two years ago in Texas and fell in love! Wish I could find it in Aruba. This looks sensational!
Danielle
Catfish is so good, but it would also be great with other fish. You prob have tons of fish down there!
Deseree
You must have read my mind because I have been craving catfish for weeks now. I will have to track some down and make this!
Danielle
Hope you enjoy it Deseree!
Monica
You had me at 15 minutes, Danielle!! Seriously this is such a great easy weeknight meal that still feels totally fancy and like I really cooked. 🙂 Perfect for those days when I'm dead tired but still want to feel good about we eat for dinner, you know?
Danielle
Oh don't I know it! This really is a great recipe for "those" days. The ones where you can barely think about cooking a meal!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
Agree. I think everything is better with butter.
My stomach also just rumbled looking at this, and it is only 6AM!!
Danielle
Right? Butter is just the best. Thanks cathleen!
Jori
Yummy! I love blackened catfish, but I’ve never had it at home. Definitely going to try now rather than eating out.
Danielle
It's so easy to make at home 🙂
Sharon
Spicy and flaky fish, I LOVE this dish! Perfect and quick which makes it even better. Can't wait to try this.
Danielle
Thanks sharon! Hope you get a chance to try it.
Leslie Haasch
I LOVE catfish. I hadn't had any in a long time until a trip to New Orleans in January, and now it's got me craving it all the time!
Danielle
Catfish is just the best. Plus it's cheap which is extra awesome 🙂
Michelle
Wow, I'm seriously drooling reading this! I don't know if I'll be able to get catfish here in the UK but I'm going to try this with some cod. I love that sound of that seasoning!
Danielle
It would be great with cod too!
Shawn Keo
This is probably one of the best catfish recipes. Will totally try this at home.
Danielle
Thanks Shawn!
Jacqueline Debono
That looks delicious. I'm not sure I can find catfish here in Italy but I'd love to try this recipe with cod!
Danielle
It would be great with any fish. Thanks Jacqueline!
Amanda
What a great recipe! There's such a great combination of flavors with the blackened seasoning. Thanks for sharing!
Danielle
The blackened seasoning really adds a great flavor. Thanks Amanda!
Anne Lawton
I love blacked fish, thanks for sharing your tips. Going to give this a try real soon.
Danielle
Hope you get a chance to try it Anne!
Linda
I love spicy food like this. And catfish? Yes, please. Love every bite of this and can't wait to give it a try.
Danielle
Thanks Linda! I hope you decide to try it 🙂
Ashley
Tried this recipe tonight... so easy, tasted great, overall a success!! Thank you so much!
Danielle
So glad you liked it!