Blackened Catfish Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cajun cuisine with this quick and easy Blackened Catfish recipe. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, this dish is a spicy sensation that will tantalize your taste buds in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 6 catfish fillets
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
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Preheat Skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet (recommended) or heavy aluminum skillet over high heat for 10 minutes. This ensures the skillet is hot enough to achieve that perfect blackened sear on your catfish fillets.
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Prepare Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, ground pepper, dried basil, onion powder, and thyme. This aromatic blend of spices will infuse your catfish with rich, flavorful notes of Cajun seasoning.
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Coat Catfish: Dip each catfish fillet into the melted butter, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Then, generously coat each fillet with the spice mixture, using about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each fillet. This step ensures that every bite is packed with bold Cajun flavor.
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Place Fillets: Lay the coated catfish fillets on waxed paper, ready to be transferred to the hot skillet.
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Cook Catfish: Working in batches, place 3 fillets at a time in the hot skillet. Drizzle each fillet with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to enhance the richness of the dish. Cook the catfish over high heat for about 2 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. This high-heat cooking method creates a beautifully charred exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender on the inside.
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Serve: Once cooked to perfection, remove the blackened catfish from the skillet and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 472.7
- Fat Content: 40.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 21.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 168.8mg
- Sodium Content: 1131.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 2.6g
- Fiber Content: 1.1g
- Sugar Content: 0.3g
- Protein Content: 25.1g
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Blackened Catfish alongside a fresh green salad and steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal.
- Pair it with creamy coleslaw and cornbread for a classic Southern-inspired feast.
- For a Cajun twist, serve the catfish on a bed of dirty rice and top with a dollop of spicy remoulade sauce.
Tips:
- For optimal results, ensure your skillet is smoking hot before adding the catfish fillets. This helps achieve that signature blackened crust.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference. You can increase or decrease the quantity of spice mixture to suit your taste buds.
- Use fresh, high-quality catfish fillets for the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are firm to the touch and have a mild, sweet aroma.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the catfish. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the fish and ensure even cooking.
- Serve the blackened catfish immediately to enjoy it at its best. The crispy exterior and tender flesh are irresistible when served piping hot.