Blackened Catfish

If you love the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine and the rich taste of fresh seafood, this blackened catfish recipe is for you. Perfectly seared in a hot skillet, this dish boasts a tantalizing blend of spices that form a crispy, aromatic crust around flaky catfish fillets. In just 15 minutes, you can bring the authentic taste of New Orleans straight to your kitchen. Let’s dive in and create this delicious meal!

Ingredients

• Cajun seasoning: To taste. Make your own blend or find a store-bought version.
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons salted butter: Melted.
• 4 fresh catfish fillets
• 1 medium lemon

Directions

1. Prep the Fillets: Begin by patting the catfish fillets dry with a paper towel. This step ensures a nice crust when the fish is cooked.
2. Season the Fillets: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and melted butter. Using a brush, coat each fillet with this mixture. Generously sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the fillets, ensuring even coverage on both sides. Allow the seasoned fillets to sit for 3-5 minutes.
3. Heat the Skillet: Preheat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Let the skillet become very hot so the fish can sear quickly.
4. Sear the Catfish: Place the seasoned fillets in the hot skillet. They should sizzle upon contact. Once the fish begins to sear, reduce the heat to low-medium. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip each fillet.
5. Cook to Perfection: Continue cooking the fillets on the other side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This will take another 3-4 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the fillets from the skillet and serve them hot with lemon wedges. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish before serving to enhance its flavors.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Servings: 4

Tips for Success

• Skillet Temperature: Make sure the skillet is very hot before adding the fish to get that characteristic blackened crust.
• Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with rice, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.

Cooking should always be an enjoyable experience, so savor the journey as much as the final dish. Happy cooking!