Dive into the bold, spicy flavors of the South with this irresistible Cajun Catfish recipe! Perfectly seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend featuring paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and herbs, these tender catfish fillets are coated in a crispy flour-and-cornmeal crust and pan-fried to golden perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-make dish combines a crunchy exterior with the flaky, delicate texture of juicy catfish. Serve it hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley for an extra burst of flavor. Whether you're planning a casual weeknight dinner or looking to impress with a Southern-inspired meal, this Cajun Catfish recipe will leave everyone craving seconds!
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the Cajun seasoning.
Pat the catfish fillets dry with a paper towel and evenly sprinkle both sides with the Cajun seasoning. Rub the seasoning into the fillets to ensure even coverage.
On a plate, combine the all-purpose flour and cornmeal. Dredge each seasoned fillet in the mixture, making sure each side is coated evenly. Shake off any excess coating.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Add the catfish fillets to the skillet. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Remove the cooked fillets from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve the Cajun catfish hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and with a lemon wedge on the side for squeezing over the top.
Calories |
1505 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 69.4 g | 89% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 33.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 280 mg | 93% | |
| Sodium | 2577 mg | 112% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.3 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.0 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 89.1 g | 178% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 108 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 1644 mg | 35% | |
*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.