Jeffs Blackened Catfish Recipes

NOT LACKIN' ON THE BLACKENIN' CATFISH

Steps:

• On a plate, mix together the paprika, cayenne, thyme, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper for the blackened spice mixture. Dredge the catfish fillets in the spice mixture and set aside.
• Heat a large cast iron fry pan or saute pan over high heat until it is "white hot".
• Add oil to pan. When oil begins to slightly smoke, add catfish fillets and cook on each side, about 2 to 3 minutes. Cook in batches, if necessary, and transfer cooked fillets to a preheated 200 degree F oven while cooking remaining fillets.
• To serve, top each fillet with 1/2 tablespoon of butter and serve with lemon wedges.

BARLOW'S BLACKENED CATFISH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
• In a shallow, medium bowl, mix cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
• Brush both sides of catfish fillets with butter. Rub fillets with the cayenne pepper mixture on both sides.
• Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until really hot. Add fillets, and fry approximately 2 minutes on each side, until slightly blackened.
• Arrange blackened fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, and coat with Italian-style salad dressing. Bake 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until fish is easily flaked with a fork.

CAJUN BLACKENED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl, mix together the black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, oregano, and thyme until thoroughly combined. Press the catfish fillets into the spice mixture to thoroughly coat.
• Arrange a portable heat source outdoors, such as a butane burner or side burner of a gas grill. Melt butter in a glass or metal bowl. Light the burner, and place a large cast-iron skillet onto the burner over high heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of melted butter into the skillet; set remaining 1/2 cup of butter aside.
• When the butter in the skillet is smoking hot, lay the catfish fillets into the skillet. Cook until the spices are burned onto the fillets and the catfish is opaque and flaky inside, about 3 minutes per side. Don't breathe smoke from burning spices. To serve, pour remaining 1/2 cup of butter over the catfish.

BLACKENED CATFISH

Steps:

• Heat broiler; coat the rack of a broiler pan with cooking spray. In a shallow bowl, stir together cornmeal, paprika, thyme, cayenne, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper.
• Dredge fillets in cornmeal mixture, turning to coat. Shake off excess, and place on prepared rack; broil until opaque throughout and blackened on the outside, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges, if desired.

JANE FONDA'S BLACKENED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a large shallow dish, combine the paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, salt and lemon zest.
• Add the catfish fillets and turn to coat both sides, pressing the herb-and-spice rub into the fish.
• In a large non stick frying pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil.
• Add the fish and cook for 4 minutes.
• Pour the lemon juice over the fillets, turn and cook until the fish just separates when pressed with a fork, about 4 minutes.

JEFF'S BLACKENED CATFISH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease a baking dish large enough to hold fish fillets in a single layer with no overlapping; set aside.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small pan over low heat.
• Meanwhile, measure spices into a shallow dish, stirring well to combine.
• Remove melted butter from heat and brush generously over catfish.
• Dredge each fillet in spice mixture, coating both sides (or sprinkle spices on if less'heat' is desired).
• Heat heavy skillet on medium-high; when skillet is hot, add fillets, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until slightly blackened.
• Transfer catfish to prepared baking dish.
• Pour Italian dressing evenly over fillets (I don't use a full cup-- more like 2/3rds).
• Bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, until fish flakes easily when scraped with the tines of a fork.