Legume Free Cajun-Spiced Catfish
Cajun food has a reputation for bold, complex flavor, and this skillet catfish delivers every bit of that heat and depth with nothing more than a handful of pantry spices and a hot cast iron pan. The homemade spice blend — smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme — builds a crust that's deeply golden and fragrant, with just enough kick to keep things interesting without overwhelming the mild, flaky fish underneath. Because the seasoning is made entirely from scratch, there's no need to worry about store-bought blends that sometimes sneak in legume-derived fillers or pea-based starches. A splash of olive oil and a screaming-hot skillet do all the heavy lifting, creating that signature sear you'd expect from a restaurant plate. Finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a scatter of parsley, it's bright, smoky, and satisfying in a way that feels far more involved than it actually is. This is the kind of weeknight dinner that looks impressive and tastes even better.
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!