Cajun Blackened Fish
Transform your dinner table with the bold and vibrant flavors of Cajun Blackened Fish! This quick and easy recipe features tender fish fillets—like tilapia, snapper, or catfish—coated in a fiery Cajun spice blend made with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Searing the fillets in a smoking-hot cast-iron skillet creates a perfectly blackened crust packed with smoky, aromatic spices while keeping the inside flaky and moist. Brushed with melted butter for rich flavor and served with fresh lemon wedges for a citrusy kick, this dish is a showstopper that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this Southern-inspired favorite is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection! Ideal for searches like "quick Cajun fish recipe" or "blackened fish skillet recipe," this dish is a celebration of bold flavor and speedy cooking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Fish fillets (e.g., tilapia, snapper, or catfish)
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Thyme (dried)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano (dried)
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 4 pieces Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create the Cajun spice mix.
Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel and evenly coat both sides with the Cajun spice mix. Press gently to ensure it adheres to the flesh.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave, then brush it generously over both sides of the seasoned fish fillets.
Preheat a large, cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until very hot. The skillet should be smoking slightly to achieve the blackened effect.
Add the vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the surface.
Carefully place the fish fillets in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the spices form a dark crust.
Flip the fillets gently using a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove the fish from the skillet and transfer to a serving platter.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
354 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.1 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.4 g | 47% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 99 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 397 mg | 17% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.5 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 32.7 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.8 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 84 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 763 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
