Cajun Blackened Catfish

This Cajun-seasoned catfish is a simple but flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The blackened seasoning gives the catfish a crispy, charred exterior and a spicy, flavorful interior. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, or cornbread.

Catfish is a popular fish in Cajun cuisine, and for good reason. It's a mild-flavored fish that takes well to spices, and it's relatively inexpensive. Blackening is a cooking technique that involves coating the fish in a spice rub and then searing it over high heat. This creates a crispy, charred exterior and a tender, juicy interior.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2 catfish fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to make the blackened seasoning.
2. Coat each catfish fillet with olive oil on both sides.
3. Rub the blackened seasoning over the catfish fillets, covering them evenly.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the catfish fillets.
5. Cook the catfish for 4-5 minutes on each side, until blackened and cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why It Works

• The blackened seasoning is a flavorful combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
• Coating the catfish in olive oil helps the seasoning to adhere and prevents the fish from sticking to the skillet.
• Cooking the catfish over medium-high heat creates a crispy, charred exterior.
• Cooking the catfish for 4-5 minutes on each side ensures that it is cooked through but still remains juicy.