Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce

Name: Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 catfish fillets; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp oil (high smoke point recommended); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles; 1 tbsp capers, drained and chopped; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

A spicy and flavorful twist on a classic Southern dish

This bold and zesty Cajun Blackened Catfish pairs perfectly with a fresh, tangy lemon zest tartar sauce, creating a delightful flavor explosion in every bite.

40 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Cajun Blackened Seasoning

1 tbsp paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Catfish

4 catfish fillets

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

2 tbsp oil (high smoke point recommended)

For the Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles

1 tbsp capers, drained and chopped

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Mixing the Blackened Seasoning

Combine ingredients

In a small bowl, combine all the Cajun seasoning ingredients.

Stir seasoning

Stir thoroughly to ensure an even mix.

Set aside

Set aside for use during cooking.

Preparing the Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce

Combine base ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, dill pickles, capers, and Dijon mustard.

Add lemon flavors

Add the lemon zest and juice, stirring until well-combined.

Season and chill

Season with salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate until serving.

Cooking Process

Seasoning the Fish

Generously sprinkle the blackened seasoning on both sides of each catfish fillet, pressing gently to adhere.

Preheating the Skillet

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot.

Cooking the Catfish

Add the melted butter and oil to the skillet, then immediately add the seasoned catfish fillets. Cook for about 4 minutes per side until the fish is opaque in the center and has a dark crust.

Plating & Serving