Nitrate & Nitrite Free Cajun-Spiced Catfish
Cajun food has a reputation for bold, smoky heat, and this skillet catfish delivers every bit of that without relying on cured meats or processed seasonings that often sneak in unwanted additives. The spice blend here is built entirely from scratch — smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and a few other pantry staples — so you know exactly what's going on every fillet. That matters more than people realize, since pre-mixed Cajun blends and store-bought seasoning packets can be surprisingly inconsistent when it comes to hidden preservatives. A hot cast iron skillet and a little olive oil do the heavy lifting, creating a deeply golden crust that locks in the catfish's natural sweetness while the spices bloom into something genuinely crave-worthy. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end cuts right through the heat and ties everything together. It's the kind of weeknight dinner that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did.
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!