Cajun Blackened Catfish with Corn Salsa
Sizzling catfish kissed with smoky Cajun spice meets a fresh, zesty corn salsa for a burst of summer in every bite.
Total: 25 minPrep: 15 minCook: 10 minServes 4Difficulty: Medium⭐ 4.8 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: lime wedges and avocado slices for garnish
Steps
- 1 In a small bowl, mix olive oil and Cajun seasoning to form a paste.
- 2 Rub the paste evenly over both sides of the catfish fillets.
- 3 Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook fillets for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- 4 While the fish cooks, combine corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- 5 Gently toss the salsa ingredients until well combined.
- 6 Serve the catfish hot, topped with a generous scoop of corn salsa.
- 7 Garnish with lime wedges and avocado slices, if desired.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Variations
- For a spicier kick, add more jalapeño to the salsa.
- Substitute catfish with tilapia or another firm white fish.
Substitutions
- If Cajun seasoning is unavailable, use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
Pairings
- Jasmine rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Fresh green salad
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Fat:
18g fat
Carbs:
20g carbohydrates
Protein:
28g protein
Fiber:
3g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
500mg sodium
Tips
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in your Cajun seasoning.
- If fresh corn is out of season, thawed frozen corn works great in the salsa.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of jasmine rice or a fresh green salad.
- Pairs well with a chilled glass of Chardonnay.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the salsa ahead and store separately. Cook the catfish just before serving for best texture.