Blackened Catfish on the Blackstone Griddle Recipe
This delicious Blackened Catfish recipe features perfectly seasoned catfish filets cooked on a Blackstone griddle or cast-iron skillet. The catfish is coated with a smoky, spicy rub that includes smoked paprika, brown sugar, and a blend of aromatic spices, then seared to crispy perfection with a buttery, oily finish. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s a flavorful, quick, and satisfying seafood dish perfect for stovetop cooking enthusiasts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
Catfish
- 2 (8 oz) catfish filets
Rub and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Rub and Catfish: In a shallow dish, combine the smoked paprika, dark brown sugar, dried oregano, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper with a fork until fully mixed. Pat the catfish filets dry with a paper towel, then dredge them evenly in the prepared spice mix. Shake off any excess seasoning to avoid burning.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Heat your Blackstone griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the canola oil, spreading it evenly with a long-handled spatula to coat the surface. Add the butter and move it around until melted and foamy, which adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- Cook the Catfish: Place the seasoned catfish filets carefully onto the hot griddle or skillet. Cook each side for about 3 minutes until a dark, crispy crust forms and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Avoid moving the filets too much during cooking to ensure a good sear.
Notes
- Ensure the catfish filets are dry before applying the rub to help the seasoning adhere properly and form a crust.
- The cooking time may vary slightly depending on filet thickness; adjust accordingly to avoid under- or overcooking.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if a Blackstone griddle is unavailable for a similar searing effect.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges or your favorite side dishes such as rice, greens, or corn.
- For less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper from the seasoning mix.
Keywords: blackened catfish, blackstone griddle recipe, cast iron skillet fish, spicy catfish, southern catfish recipe, quick catfish dinner, seared catfish
