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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!
Jump to:
Is Blackened Catfish Spicy?
Blackened catfish typically is spicy due to the cayenne pepper, however, different seasoning blends can have differing spice levels.
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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!
Recipe
Pan Fried Cajun Blackened Catfish
Ingredients
- 1 pound catfish fillets (about 4-6 fillets)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Coat the catfish fillets in the blackened seasoning and salt.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium high heat and add the butter.
- Add the catfish filets to the melted butter and cook for 5 minutes. Carefully flip the catfish over and cook on the other side for 5 minutes until the flesh is flaky.
- Remove from heat and serve hot.
Expert Tips:
- You want to use enough blackened seasoning to coat all sides of the fish.
- The 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. If the pan starts to smoke too much while cooking, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of butter and reduce the heat just slightly.
- The catfish can be substituted with other types of fish or seafood like catfish (see post above for examples of fish that can be used).
- You can also place the skillet on a grill to heat it to avoid smoking out your house.
Nutrition
[nutrifox id="29612"]
Tara Pittman
My family loves fish. I do need to try this seasoning on my fish.
Danielle
It's such a great seasoning - I hope you give it a shot!
Natalia
I've never tried catfish, but I've heard it's really tasty. It's the next recipe I'd love to try out pretty soon! 🙂
Danielle
It's def a great fish!!
Cristina Petrini
I did not know this kind of condiment, apparently there is always something to learn and experiment!
Danielle
There always is 🙂
Aleta
Ready in 15 minutes? Count me in! I love the flavours here, this is going to be a hit in my home for sure!
Danielle
Yay! I hope you decide to make it Aleta!
Joan
I have actually never eaten catfish so this looks really interesting and looks so good.
Danielle
Thanks Joan! I hope you get to try it.
Amber Myers
This looks good. I know my husband would be a fan. He's always liked catfish. The flavors sound incredible!
Danielle
Thanks Amber!
Sundeep
This dish looks delicious. Would love to try cajun catfish. Thanks for sharing the recipe looks easy and doable.
Danielle
You're welcome! I hope you get the chance to try it 🙂
Gloria
I have not cooked catfish at home. I do remember ordering it, and I did enjoy it. I will have to try this recipe out. Sounds and looks delicious.
Danielle
Thanks Gloria! I love catfish because it's so tender and juicy, and it's cheap 😉
Kelly Anthony
I love catfish too! I grew up eating it so it only brings up good memories. My mom would fry it but I can't wait to try your blackened.
Danielle
Catfish is just the BEST! I love it fried too 🙂
Rachel
I have a ton of catfish in my freezer to eat up. So, this recipe is perfect! Simple and delicious! These are the kind of recipes that make a regular appearance in my kitchen. Thanks for sharing!
Danielle
You're welcome Rachel! I hope you give it a try 🙂
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
I've never had catfish, but this looks so tasty! I love a blackening, spicy seasoning so I know I would enjoy this! It definitely looks melt in your mouth delicious!
Danielle
I hope you get the chance tor try catfish sometime!
Lesli Schwartz
Such simple ingredients, yet such an elegant dish! This catfish looks so tasty!
Danielle
Thanks Lesli!
Sonia
Me and my family loves catfish and I am always looking for different receipe and this looks perfect! Definitely giving it a try this weekend 🙂
Danielle
I hope you love it Sonia!
Sherri
I've actually never tried catfish but yours looks so delicious, I might have to give it a go! Love that blackened seasoning too!
Danielle
Catfish gets a bad rap sometimes, but i think it's one of the best fish. I hope you get the chance to try this!
Jacque Hastert
Now, this is what I am craving for dinner. I even have some in my deep freeze! I will have to pull some out and make this for dinner this week.
Danielle
Yay! I hope you get the chance to try it Jacque!
Marisa
Love how simple and easy this recipe is. Amazing what you did with so few ingredients.
Danielle
Thanks Marisa 🙂
Tara
So quick and easy! Filing this away for Lent.
Danielle
Great for lent! Thanks Tara!
Kathy
I definitely want to be making this. I agree that catfish is awesome!
layla
I'm not a catfish lover, but this sounds amazing! love the gravy.
Manual Londner
Hello, You have done a great job. I am going to definitely digg it and personally endorse to my buddies. I know that they will be benefited from this great site.