Southern / Soul
Southern Blackened Catfish
A Louisiana classic done right — catfish coated in Blackened Cajun Blend, seared hard in a cast iron pan until a dark spice crust forms. ...
⏱ Prep 5 min 🍳 Cook 10 min 👥 Serves 2 Easy
Ingredients
Spices & Herbs
♦3 tbsp WOS Blackened Cajun Blend
♦2 tbsp butter
♦1 tbsp oil
Other
♦2 catfish fillets (6-8 oz each)
♦Lemon wedges for serving
♦Coleslaw and white rice for sides
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Pat catfish completely dry with paper towels — this is critical for blackening.
2
Coat both sides of fish generously with Blackened Cajun Blend. Press it in.
3
Heat cast iron skillet on high heat for 3-4 min until extremely hot.
4
Add butter and oil. It will smoke — that is correct.
5
Place fish in pan. Do not move it. Cook 3-4 min until a dark crust forms.
6
Flip once. Cook 2-3 min more until fish flakes easily.
7
Serve immediately with lemon wedges. The crust will soften if it sits.
Flavor Education
Understanding what each spice contributes is the difference between following a recipe and truly cooking.
Smoked Paprika
Warm, smoky depth without open-fire cooking
Bloom paprika in oil for 30 seconds before adding liquids — it unlocks the pigment and flavor compounds.
Cayenne
Clean direct heat that builds gradually
A little goes a long way. Start with 1/4 tsp and taste before adding more.
Garlic Powder
Consistent savory base throughout the dish
Unlike fresh garlic, powder distributes evenly in dry rubs and coatings without burning.
Cooking Tips by Skill Level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Season lightly first — you can always add more, but you can't take it away. Taste at every step and trust your palate.
Build your flavor in layers: bloom your dry spices in oil for 30 seconds before adding liquids to unlock their full depth.
Finish with a hit of acid (lime, lemon, or vinegar) right before serving to brighten and balance the entire dish.
🧂 Spices for This Recipe
These seasonings help you achieve the authentic flavor profile of this dish.
Blackened Cajun Blend
In Stock
$9.49
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Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce
hot · pepper · sauce · caribbean
In Stock
$10.99
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Garlic Herb Marinade
In Stock
$9.49
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All Purpose Seasoning
In Stock
$8.99
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Smoked Paprika Blend
In Stock
$9.99
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