Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsEliza RestaurantBlackened Catfish Recipe

Blackened Catfish Recipe

Inspired by Eliza Restaurant
Time45m
Serves4

Served with dirty rice.

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Ingredients

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For the Blackened Catfish

Method

For the Blackened Catfish

  1. 1

    Prepare the Spice Mixture

    In a small bowl, mix together paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Season the Catfish

    Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of each fillet generously with the spice mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat the Pan

    In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.

  4. 4

    Cook the Catfish

    Carefully place the catfish fillets in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is blackened and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

For the Dirty Rice

  1. 5

    Sauté the Vegetables

    In a large saucepan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

  2. 6

    Cook the Meat

    Add the ground beef or sausage to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

  3. 7

    Add Garlic and Spices

    Stir in the minced garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  4. 8

    Add Rice and Broth

    Add the rice to the pan and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

  5. 9

    Fluff and Serve

    Remove the bay leaf, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve alongside the blackened catfish.

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