Easy Blackened Catfish Filets Recipe

If you’re looking for a flavorful seafood dinner that’s quick and satisfying, this blackened catfish filets recipe is the perfect choice. Catfish is coated in bold Cajun-style seasoning and pan-seared to create a delicious crust while staying tender and flaky inside. This Southern-inspired dish comes together in minutes and pairs perfectly with classic comfort sides like macaroni and cheese, collard greens, rice, or creamed spinach. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend comfort meal, blackened catfish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.

Blackened Catfish Fillets

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: seafood

Servings: 2 serving

Equipment

• 1 Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

• 2 large catfish fillets
• olive oil
• Slap Ya Mama! Cajun Seasoning
• Cajun Seasoning (non-salt) (optional)
• Italian Seasoning
• lemon pepper
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• 1 medium sliced bell pepper (yellow, green, or red) (optional)
• 1 small sliced onion (optional)

Instructions

• Rinse catfish fillets and pat dry.
• Place fillets on a baking or cookie sheet or large cutting board.
• Lightly sprinkle each seasoning on both sides of catfish.
• Preheat cast iron skillet on medium-low for 2 minutes.
• Drizzle a small amount of olive oil to the pan
• Depending on the size, add one fillet at a time to the pan. Cook for 6 minutes on each side (or until brown). Do not flip over multiple times.
• Set fillets aside on a plate. Add slice peppers and onions to the pan and sauté for 4 minutes. (optional)
• Reduce heat to low, add fillets back to the pan, and cover. Cook for 5 more additional minutes before turning off heat.

What to Serve With Blackened Catfish

This blackened catfish is packed with bold, smoky Cajun-inspired flavor and is delicious straight from the skillet, but you can easily turn it into a complete meal with a couple of simple additions.

For an extra layer of richness, try topping the catfish with my Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the blackened seasoning, balancing the spices while making the fish even more flavorful. Drizzle a little over the top or serve it on the side so everyone can add as much as they like.

Need an easy vegetable to complete the plate? My Garlic Butter Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are a great side dish for blackened catfish. The Brussels sprouts are seasoned with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, giving you a savory side that complements the fish without overpowering it.