Cajun Catfish Recipe
Catfish is a delicious, mild-flavored fish that’s perfect for grilling or frying. This Cajun Catfish recipe combines bold, spicy flavors with the delicate taste of catfish, making it a crowd-pleaser for dinner. Whether you’re hosting a family meal or looking for something quick and flavorful, this recipe is easy to make and packed with Southern flair.
Ingredients
For this flavorful Cajun catfish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 catfish fillets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Catfish
Start by patting the catfish fillets dry with a paper towel. This is important because it helps the seasoning adhere better to the fish.
Pro Tip: If you’re using frozen catfish, make sure it is thoroughly thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture, which can cause the seasoning to slide off.
2. Season the Fish
In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix generously over both sides of the fillets, pressing it in gently to coat them evenly.
Pro Tip: If you want extra flavor, you can let the seasoned fillets sit for 10–15 minutes before cooking to allow the spices to meld.
3. Cook the Catfish
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the fillets in the skillet, cooking in batches if needed.
Cook the fillets for about 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should be flaky when tested with a fork.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, you can coat the fillets lightly with a bit of flour before frying.
4. Serve
Once the catfish is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve the Cajun catfish with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Pro Tip: For a complete meal, serve your Cajun catfish with a side of coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or over a bed of rice.
Conclusion
This Cajun Catfish recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, spicy dish without the hassle. The seasoning mix adds a vibrant punch while still letting the mild catfish shine. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple yet impressive.
Enjoy your Cajun catfish hot and fresh, and let the flavors take you straight to the bayou!
