Name: Blackened Catfish with Spicy Cheese Grits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 catfish fillets (5–6 oz / 140–170 g each); 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (42 g); 2 tbsp neutral oil for searing (30 ml); 1 tbsp paprika; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup stone-ground grits (240 g); 4 cups water or chicken stock (960 ml); 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded (120 g); 2 tbsp cream cheese (28 g); 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional); 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp butter (28 g); 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, 60 ml)

Description

Discover how to make delicious Blackened Catfish with Spicy Cheese Grits that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

Scale

Blackened Catfish

4 catfish fillets (5–6 oz / 140–170 g each)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (42 g)
2 tbsp neutral oil for searing (30 ml)

Blackening Spice Mix

1 tbsp paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt

Spicy Cheese Grits

1 cup stone-ground grits (240 g)
4 cups water or chicken stock (960 ml)
1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded (120 g)
2 tbsp cream cheese (28 g)
1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter (28 g)
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, 60 ml)

Instructions

Prepare the spice mix
- Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and salt. Set aside.
Cook the grits
- Bring water or stock to a boil.
- Slowly whisk in the grits.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in butter, cheddar, cream cheese, jalapeño (if using), hot sauce, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Add heavy cream if using. Keep warm.
Blacken the catfish
- Pat the fillets completely dry with paper towels.
- Brush both sides with melted butter.
- Generously coat both sides with the blackening spice mix.
- Heat oil in a cast-iron or heavy skillet over high heat until lightly smoking.
- Place fillets in the pan and cook 2–3 minutes per side until deeply charred and the fish flakes easily.
- Remove and rest for 2 minutes.

Serve
- Spoon the spicy cheese grits onto plates.
- Place a blackened catfish fillet on top of each portion.
- Add an extra drizzle of butter from the pan if desired. Adjust with more hot sauce to taste.

Notes

Marinate the catfish fillets in the spice mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes before cooking for enhanced flavor.
Use stone-ground grits to achieve a coarser texture and a more rustic dish.
Add chopped green peppers to the grits for a spicier kick, adjusting the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Protein: 25g

Keywords: blackened catfish, spicy cheese, grits recipe, skillet cooking, southern dish