Tasty Food Logo
  • Home
  • Categories
  • About
  • Contact
Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce

Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce


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

Chef’s Tip:

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
Chef’s Tip:

Preparation


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.

Cooking Process


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.

Never leave hot oil unattended. Keep a lid nearby …

Plating & Serving


Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce

Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce

Cajun Blackened Catfish with Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce

FaUtensils

Plating & Serving

Place the cooked catfish fillets on a warmed platter. Serve with a small dish of lemon zest tartar sauce on the side for dipping.

Sauce Pairings

Lemon Zest Tartar Sauce
Tangy with a fresh lemon kick

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Chopped fresh parsleyLemon wedges

Perfect Sides

Creamy coleslaw
Garlic mashed potatoes

Chef's Final Touch

TastyFood

Delicious recipes for home cooks at every skill level.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Categories
  • About
  • Contact

Categories

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Desserts
  • Seafood

Contact Us

  • info@culinarycanvas.com
  • (123) 456-7890
  • 123 Cooking Street
    Foodie City, FC 12345

© 2026 TastyFood. All rights reserved.