Easy Cajun Spiced Catfish: A Zesty Southern Recipe That Sizzles

Cajun spiced catfish brings fiery Southern flavors bursting with bold culinary excitement.

Regional cuisine revolutionizes humble ingredients into extraordinary meal experiences.

Seafood lovers appreciate the dynamic blend of robust seasonings and fresh protein.

Intense spice profiles characterize this distinctive cooking style that celebrates cultural heritage.

Home cooks can craft restaurant-quality dishes with simple techniques and authentic ingredients.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe promises a mouth-watering adventure that tantalizes taste buds and sparks dinnertime conversation.

Pairing Cajun Spiced Catfish with Sides

• Savor Zesty Sidekick: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the spicy Cajun flavors, cutting through the richness of the catfish while refreshing the palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Embrace Cooling Companion: Creamy coleslaw with a tangy dressing balances the fiery Cajun spices, providing a cool, crunchy contrast that enhances the fish's bold seasoning and adds textural excitement.
• Amplify Rustic Harmony: Dirty rice with bell peppers and andouille sausage creates an authentic Louisiana-style side dish that mirrors the catfish's bold Cajun profile, bringing depth and traditional Southern warmth to the meal.
• Elevate Bright Accent: Fresh lemon wedges squeezed over the baked catfish intensify the dish's citrus undertones, adding a zesty punch that brightens the spicy, rich flavors and provides a classic seafood finishing touch.

Cajun Spiced Catfish: Variations You’ll Enjoy

• Grilled Cajun Catfish: Transform the recipe by grilling the catfish on an outdoor barbecue for a smoky flavor. Brush with olive oil and coat with the same Cajun spice blend before placing on a hot grill.
• Blackened Catfish Skillet: Create a darker, more intense flavor by heavily seasoning the fish and cooking in a scorching hot cast iron skillet. Use extra cayenne and blackening spices for a robust Cajun-style preparation.
• Creole Catfish Bake: Modify the recipe by adding diced bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes around the fish before baking. Incorporate Creole seasoning instead of standard Cajun spices for a Louisiana-inspired variation that brings more vegetable depth to the dish.
• Air Fryer Cajun Catfish: Adapt the recipe for an air fryer, reducing cooking time and creating a crispy exterior. Spray the fillets with cooking oil and use the same spice blend for a quick and healthier cooking method.

Cajun Spiced Catfish: A Flavor-Packed Dish

• Spice Up Your Seafood: Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary catfish into a flavor-packed meal that dances with bold, zesty notes, making every bite an exciting culinary adventure.
• Easy Cast Iron Magic: Using a single skillet simplifies cooking and cleanup, while creating a perfectly crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish interior that's restaurant-worthy without complex techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious and nutritious dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor or quality.
• Customize Your Heat: Adjustable spice levels let you control the cayenne pepper intensity, making this dish adaptable for those who love mild flavors or crave fiery excitement, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.

Ingredients for Cajun Spiced Catfish

• Catfish Fillets: Fresh, mild-flavored fish that serves as the main protein of the dish, best when sustainably sourced and skin-free.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, tangy ingredients that add freshness and help tenderize the fish while enhancing its natural flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that brings out the fish's natural taste and provides basic flavor foundation.
• Cayenne Pepper, Paprika: Adds warm, spicy kick and rich color to the catfish, characteristic of Cajun-style cooking.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth and aromatic background notes to the overall spice profile.
• Dried Parsley Flakes: Introduces mild herbal notes and visual interest to the dish.

• Cold Butter: Adds richness, helps create a smooth texture, and contributes to the golden-brown finish when baking.

• Cooking Oil: Ensures the skillet is well-greased to prevent the fish from sticking during baking.

How to Cook Cajun Spiced Catfish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to 400°F (204°C), getting it toasty and ready for the cooking adventure ahead.

Step 2: Prep the Cooking Surface

Grab a 12-inch cast iron skillet and generously coat it with oil to create a non-stick magic surface for your catfish.

Step 3: Position the Fish

Gently lay the catfish fillets in the skillet, spreading them out evenly like sunbathers on a beach.

Step 4: Splash of Flavor

• Lemon juice
• Hot sauce

Cover each fillet completely, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 5: Spice It Up

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika
• Dried parsley flakes
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Distribute these taste treasures evenly across the fillets.

Step 6: Butter and Zest Finale

Dot the skillet with cold butter pieces and scatter lemon zest for an extra flavor punch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

• Flakes easily with a fork
• Reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)

Enjoy your sizzling Cajun Spiced Catfish Delight!

Pro Tips for Cajun Spiced Catfish

• Master Your Skillet Technique: Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to develop deeper flavors and prevent fish from sticking during cooking.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper amount to match your heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized Cajun experience without overwhelming the delicate catfish.
• Check Fish Doneness Precisely: Use an instant-read thermometer to guarantee the catfish reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, preventing overcooking while ensuring food safety.
• Enhance Flavor Complexity: Fresh lemon zest adds bright, citrusy notes that complement the rich, spicy Cajun seasoning and elevate the overall dish.
• Maximize Butter's Potential: Use cold butter pieces strategically placed around the fish to create a rich, silky sauce that naturally develops during baking.

Storing and Reheating Cajun Spiced Catfish

• Refrigeration: Store leftover catfish in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed fish will maintain quality for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover the fish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Reheating: Gently reheat fish in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent drying out. Place catfish on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the fish rubbery and compromise texture.
• Freezing Option: For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Frozen catfish maintains best quality for up to 3 months.

Cajun Spiced Catfish Delight Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Cajun Spiced Catfish Delight brings Louisiana’s bold flavors to your dinner table with succulent catfish seasoned in zesty spices. Louisiana’s culinary magic shines through each perfectly crisp bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 large raw catfish fillets (approximately 1 pound / 454 grams)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Crystal hot sauce
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
• 0.5 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fire up the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), creating the ideal temperature for baking the catfish to perfection.
2. Generously coat a 12-inch (30.5 centimeters) cast iron skillet with olive oil, ensuring a non-stick surface that will protect the delicate fish.
3. Carefully arrange the catfish fillets in the skillet, positioning them with equal spacing to promote even cooking.
4. Drizzle fresh lemon juice across each fillet, using half for one and half for the other, creating a bright, citrusy foundation.
5. Apply hot sauce over the fillets with a light hand, distributing the condiment evenly to infuse a subtle heat.
6. Season the fish with a balanced blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper, adjusting to personal spice tolerance.
7. Sprinkle a harmonious mixture of paprika, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder across the fillets, creating a robust Cajun-inspired coating.
8. Strategically place small, cold butter pieces around the catfish, which will melt and create a rich, silky texture during baking.
9. Gently scatter fresh lemon zest over the fillets to enhance the dish’s aromatic profile.
10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).

Notes

• Fiery Flavor Fusion: Cajun spices transform ordinary catfish into a bold, zesty dish bursting with southern-style heat and complexity.
• Smart Skillet Strategy: Cast iron ensures even heating and creates a perfect crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender.
• Temperature Triumph: Baking at 400°F guarantees perfectly cooked fish that flakes beautifully without becoming dry or tough.
• Seasoning Secrets: Layering multiple spices like cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder creates a depth of flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
• Moisture Magic: Lemon juice and butter work together to keep the catfish succulent and add bright, rich undertones to the final result.
• Quick Cooking Convenience: The entire recipe takes less than 30 minutes from preparation to serving, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg