Caffeine Free Cajun-Spiced Catfish
Bold, smoky, and deeply satisfying, this Cajun-spiced catfish is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a serious occasion. A homemade spice blend — smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and a few other pantry staples — gets pressed right into the fillets before they hit a screaming-hot cast iron skillet. That high-heat sear is what creates the gorgeous, deeply golden crust that makes this dish so craveable. The good news for anyone avoiding stimulants is that every single ingredient here is completely free of caffeine — no tea-based marinades, no coffee rubs, no sneaky additions to worry about. It's just clean, punchy spice and good fish cooked simply and well. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end cuts through the heat and ties everything together beautifully. Whether you're new to cooking catfish or just looking for a reliable go-to, this one is hard to beat.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the Cajun spice blend
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
For the fish
- 4 catfish fillets (about 6 oz each), patted dry
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For serving
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne, and kosher salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
- 2
Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels, then sprinkle the spice blend evenly over both sides of each fillet, pressing gently so it adheres.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!