Savory Blackened Catfish with Zesty Lemon Butter
Revel in the Southern flavors of this deliciously blackened catfish, inspired by the vibrant food culture of Baton Rouge, LA. This dish captures the essence of Cajun cooking with its robust blend of spices, creating a flavorful crust that enhances the tender, flaky fish beneath. Paired with a simple zesty lemon butter sauce, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also a delightful way to bring a taste of Louisiana to your table. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an upscale gathering, this blackened catfish is sure to impress family and friends.
N/A
Servings
145
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
catfish fillet
1 lb (cut into serving-sized fillets)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for marinating)
garlic powder
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
onion powder
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
white pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
thyme
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
paprika
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
oregano
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
butter
2 tablespoons (for lemon sauce)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (for lemon sauce)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the catfish fillets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the fillets, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Allow them to marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2
While the catfish is marinating, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, paprika, and oregano in a 9-inch pie plate. Mix the spices well to ensure even distribution.
3
Preheat a cast-iron skillet turned upside down over high heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it reaches a scorching temperature. Make sure the kitchen vent fan is on to manage smoke during cooking.
4
Carefully turn the skillet right side up using a hot pad. With the pan still hot, remove the fillets from the olive oil and let any excess oil drain off.
5
Dredge each fish fillet in the spice blend, ensuring both sides are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
6
Once coated, place the seasoned fillets into the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, then carefully flip and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Aim to turn the fish only once for a perfectly blackened crust.
7
For an extra zing, melt some butter in a small saucepan and whisk in fresh lemon juice to create a zesty lemon butter sauce. Drizzle this over the cooked catfish before serving.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Blackened Catfish with Zesty Lemon Butter?
It is a Southern-inspired dish featuring catfish fillets coated in a robust Cajun spice blend and cooked at high heat to create a flavorful crust, served with a lemon butter sauce.
Where is this recipe's flavor profile inspired from?
This dish is inspired by the vibrant food culture of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
How long should the catfish marinate?
The catfish fillets should be drizzled with olive oil and allowed to marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
What spices are used in the blackening blend?
The blend includes garlic powder, onion powder, salt, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, paprika, and oregano.
What equipment is best for cooking blackened catfish?
A cast-iron skillet is recommended for reaching the high temperatures necessary for blackening.
How do you preheat the skillet for this recipe?
Preheat the cast-iron skillet turned upside down over high heat for 5 to 10 minutes until it reaching a scorching temperature.
Why should the kitchen vent fan be on while cooking?
The vent fan should be on to manage the smoke generated by the high-heat blackening process.
How do you apply the seasoning to the fish?
Dredge each fish fillet in the spice blend until both sides are evenly coated after draining any excess olive oil.
How long does the catfish take to cook?
Cook the fillets for 2 to 3 minutes on each side in the hot skillet.
How many times should I flip the fish?
Aim to turn the fish only once for a perfectly blackened crust.
How do you make the zesty lemon butter sauce?
Melt butter in a small saucepan and whisk in fresh lemon juice.
When should the lemon butter sauce be applied?
Drizzle the sauce over the cooked catfish immediately before serving.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
This recipe contains approximately 145 calories.
What is the protein content of the blackened catfish?
There are 17.5g of protein in this recipe.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains 8.75g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
This dish has 1.5g of carbohydrates.
How many ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 13 ingredients in total.
What amount of catfish is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of catfish fillets.
What kind of oil is used for marinating the catfish?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is described as a quick-to-prepare meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
What type of lemon juice is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
What is the role of cayenne pepper in this dish?
Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon) adds a spicy kick to the Cajun seasoning blend.
Which herbs are included in the spice blend?
The spice blend includes 2 teaspoons of thyme and 1 teaspoon of oregano.
What is the texture of the cooked catfish?
The dish features a robust, flavorful crust with tender, flaky fish beneath.
How much onion powder is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
What size plate should be used for mixing the spices?
A 9-inch pie plate is suggested for combining and mixing the spice blend.
Can this recipe be served at formal events?
Yes, it is noted as a delightful way to impress family and friends at an upscale gathering.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Tags include catfish, blackened fish, Cajun cuisine, quick dinner, lemon butter, soul food, and southern cooking.
How much salt is included in the seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.