This Spicy Cajun Catfish recipe is a flavorful Southern dish that brings together the bold tastes of Cajun seasoning and tender catfish fillets. Follow this easy guide to create a delicious meal packed with heat and flavour.
This recipe typically makes 4 servings, with each serving consisting of one catfish fillet. Adjust the quantities based on your needs or the number of people you’re serving. Enjoy your Spicy Cajun Catfish!
Ingredients:
For the Cajun Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the Catfish:
- 4 catfish fillets
- 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cajun Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.
2. Season the Catfish:
- Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Rub each catfish fillet generously with Cajun seasoning, covering all sides evenly. Press the seasoning into the fillets to ensure it adheres well.
- Let the seasoned fillets sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Cook the Catfish:
- Heat olive oil or melted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Also, you should definitely try healthy baked catfish.
- Once the skillet is hot, carefully add the seasoned catfish fillets, skin-side down if applicable.
- Cook the catfish for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exterior should be crispy and golden brown.
- If cooking skin-on catfish, start by cooking skin-side down to achieve a crispy skin, then flip and cook the other side.
4. Serve:
- Transfer the cooked catfish fillets to a serving platter.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets for a burst of citrus flavour.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of colour and freshness, if desired.
- Serve the Spicy Cajun Catfish hot with your favourite sides, such as rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Pro Chef Tips:
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- For extra flavour, marinate the catfish fillets in the Cajun seasoning for up to 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the spices to penetrate the fish for a more intense flavor.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the catfish fillets to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender on the inside.
- Serve the Spicy Cajun Catfish with cooling accompaniments like a cucumber salad or tzatziki sauce to balance out the heat. Enjoy the flavorful heat of this Southern-inspired dish!