Here’s a bold and flavorful Cajun Catfish recipe — crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside 🐟🔥
🌶️ Cajun Catfish (Pan-Seared)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 catfish fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (smoked if available)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
(If your Cajun seasoning is salty, reduce added salt.)
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Fish
- Pat catfish dry with paper towels.
- Rub both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.
2️⃣ Heat the Pan
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3️⃣ Cook
- Place fillets in the hot pan.
- Cook about 3–4 minutes per side until blackened and flaky.
- Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
4️⃣ Finish
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Dirty rice
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic butter green beans
🔥 Optional Variations
🥖 Crispy Cornmeal Version
- Coat seasoned catfish in seasoned cornmeal before frying for extra crunch.
🧄 Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Simmer ½ cup heavy cream + 1 tsp Cajun seasoning + 1 tbsp butter for 3–4 minutes and drizzle over fish.
💡 Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed.
- For oven version: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- For air fryer: cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
If you’d like, I can also give you a blackened Louisiana-style version with authentic spice balance.
