Main Course · Dinner · American ·

Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce

Name: Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce
Prep time: 13 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 53 min
Yield: 4 servings
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

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.

4.7(509 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 10, 2025

Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

13 min

Cook

40 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Cajun Blackened Seasoning

For the Catfish

For the Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 24.03 g
Carbs: 6.03 g
Fat: 34.43 g
Fiber: 1.28 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1679 kcal
Protein: 96.1 g
Carbs: 24.1 g
Fat: 137.7 g
Fiber: 5.1 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 tbsp paprika	19	0.9	3.8	0.9	2.4
1 tbsp garlic powder	27	1.4	6.3	0.1	0.6
1 tbsp onion powder	24	0.6	5.6	0.1	0.4
1 tsp cayenne pepper	6	0.3	1.1	0.3	0.7
1 tsp dried thyme	3	0.1	0.8	0.1	0.5
1 tsp dried oregano	3	0.1	0.7	0.1	0.4
1/2 tsp salt	0	0	0	0	0
1/2 tsp black pepper	3	0.1	0.8	0.1	0.4
4 catfish fillets	480	92	0	11	0
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted	204	0.2	0	23	0
2 tbsp oil (high smoke point recommended)	240	0	0	27	0
1/2 cup mayonnaise	680	0.5	1.2	75	0
2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles	8	0.4	1.7	0	0.3
1 tbsp capers, drained and chopped	2	0.2	0.5	0	0.3
1 tsp Dijon mustard	3	0.2	0.3	0.2	0
Zest of 1 lemon	0	0	0	0	0
1 tbsp lemon juice	4	0.1	1.3	0	0.1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Mixing the Blackened Seasoning

1
Combine ingredients
In a small bowl, combine all the Cajun seasoning ingredients.
2
Stir seasoning
Stir thoroughly to ensure an even mix.
3
Set aside
Set aside for use during cooking.

Preparing the Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce

1
Combine base ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, dill pickles, capers, and Dijon mustard.
2
Add lemon flavors
Add the lemon zest and juice, stirring until well-combined.
3
Season and chill
Season with salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate until serving.

How to Make Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce

Total time: 53 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Seasoning the Fish
Generously sprinkle the blackened seasoning on both sides of each catfish fillet, pressing gently to adhere.
2
Preheating the Skillet
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot.
3
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.