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–+ servings
Blackened catfish fillets cooking in a cast iron skillet with asparagus and visible steam in a rustic Southern kitchen.
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Blackened Catfish with Asparagus

Blackened catfish with asparagus is a bold and flavorful Southern-inspired dish that combines spicy, crispy-seared catfish with crisp-tender asparagus — perfect for quick, healthy weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 plates
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2–4 catfish fillets (fresh or thawed, skinless if possible)
  • 1 tbsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter or avocado oil
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon wedge (optional, for serving)

Equipment

  • cast iron skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula or fish turner
  • serving plates
  • second skillet (for asparagus)

Method
 

  1. Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
  3. Coat both sides of the catfish fillets generously with the spice mix.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high until slightly smoking. Add butter or avocado oil.
  5. Place fillets in the pan. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until a dark crust forms and fish flakes easily.
  6. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium. Add asparagus and a pinch of salt. Let sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to char.
  7. Toss asparagus and continue cooking for 3–4 more minutes until crisp-tender.
  8. Plate the catfish and asparagus. Serve with lemon wedge if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 34gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use avocado oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. To add brightness, finish with a squeeze of lemon. Serve with dirty rice, mashed potatoes, or a light coleslaw. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.

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