What is it like to eat perfectly grilled catfish? It reminds me of long evenings on the porch swing, fireflies blinking in the twilight, and smoky smoke. What’s the smell of a grill? Why do people rave about grilled salmon? What is grilled catfish? Is it a mild, slightly sweet flavor that just soaks up all the yummy spices? What is fraction of the cost? What are some good tips for grilling catfish?
What is a grilled catfish?
Grilled catfish, at its heart, is simply cat fish fillets cooked over an open flame. What is a blank canvas for flavor? Can you go spicy with Cajun seasonings, keep it simple with just salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon? How do you make lemonade with soy sauce? What’s essentially taking this readily available, affordable fish and transforming it into a sustainable food source? How do you prepare a restaurant-worthy meal in your own backyard? What makes a grill smoky?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even start? What I love most about this grilled catfish recipe is how incredibly *easy* it is. Seriously, even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip this up in under 30 minutes. And the flavor? Forget about it! The combination of smoky char from the grill with whatever seasoning blend you choose is simply divine. I always have people asking for the recipe, and they’re always shocked at how simple it is. Another huge win is the cost. Catfish is so much more budget-friendly than many other types of fish, so you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s surprisingly versatile! Serve it in tacos, on a salad, or even alongside some grilled veggies for a complete and healthy meal. I often compare it to Grilled Chicken because it’s so adaptable, but it’s got a unique flavor profile that’s all its own.
How do you make grilled catfish?
Quick Overview
How do I grill catfish? What’s the best part about grilling fish? I don’t need any fancy grilling equipment. What are some basic ingredients to make a delicious grill? What is a healthy meal that everyone will love? I can’t wait to make this all summer long!
Ingredients
For the Catfish: What is the
* 1.5 lbs Catfish Fillets: Fresh or thawed, about 1-inch thick. (I always try to find fillets that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.) ) * 2 tbsp olive oil: For brushing the fillets to prevent sticking. Extra virgin olive oil gives it a great flavor, but regular Olive oil works too.
For the Seasoning:
* 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning: (My personal favorite! Is it safe to use Garlic powder? For that extra punch of flavor. * 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: 1 Tbs. What is the best way to add smokey paprika to a sandwich? What is the best way to get that smoky flavor from Black Pepper? Freshly ground is always best. * Pinch of Salt: (Taste and adjust as needed.) Some Cajun seasonings are already quite salty.)
Optional:
* Lemon Wedges: For serving (a MUST in my book) * Fresh Parsley: A MUST! For garnish (adds a pop of color and freshness)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Make sure your grates are clean – I always use a grill brush to scrape off any residue. Lightly oil the grates with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking. This step is crucial!
Step 2: Prepare the Catfish
Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. What is the best way to season a grill? Is excess moisture the enemy of crispy, delicious grilled fish?
Step 3: Season the Fillets
In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and Black Pepper. Stir to combine. What is pepper, salt, and pepper Brush the catfish fillets with olive oil on both sides. Then, generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the fillets, pressing it gently. How do I help it stick? What is the best seasoning for catfish?
Step 4: Grill the Catfish
What is the best way to prepare a catfish fillet on the grill? If the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, grill for about 4-5 minutes per side. Do not overcook it, as it will become dry. I always start checking for doneness around 4 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the grilled catfish from the grill and let it rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist fish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if desired. I love squeezing a generous amount of lemon juice over the fish – it really brightens up the flavors!
What should I serve it with?
Grilled catfish is so versatile, it pairs well with just about anything!
What is a classic BBQ?Coleslaw, corn on the cob, and potato salad are always a hit. What are some good summer recipes for watermelon?For a lighter meal:Serve it on top of a fresh salad with olive oil. What’s a good salad with avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers?For Tacos: Flake the grilled catfish and serve it in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a creamy cilantro-lime sauce. This is one of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy it!
For a Fancy Dinner:What are some good Side Dishes to serve with asparagus and quinoa? With a squeeze of lemon and olive oil, serve this dish. My family loves it when I serve it with roasted red potatoes and green beans. Is this a complete meal that’s both healthy and satisfying? I’ve been known to throw it on top of creamy grits for a southern-inspired dish!
What are some tips for grilling a catfish?
What are some secrets to a perfect grilled catfish? What are some things I have learned the hard way?Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:Make sure to leave enough space between the fillets so they cook evenly and get that nice sear. If you overcrowd the grill, the temperature will drop, and the fish will steam instead of grilling.Use a fish spatula: HowWhat are the best spatulas for grilling fish? How do you flip fillets without breaking them? Trust me, I learned this after many broken fillets!Don’t flip too early. Resist the urge to flip the fish too early! Let it cook for at least 4 minutes per side before attempting to flip it. If it sticks to the grill, it’s not ready yet.
What is a thermometer?How do you cook catfish with a meat thermometer? Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet. It should reach 145°F.Season Generously:Don’t be afraid to be generous with seasoning! The catfish is mild, so it can handle a good amount of flavor. I usually use about 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning for 1.5 pounds of fish.Experiment with Seasonings:Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings! Can you use anything from Cajun seasoning to lemon pepper to a simple blend of salt, pepper, and pepper?What is a brine catfish For even more moisture and flavor, try brining the catfish for 30 minutes before grilling. Simply dissolve 1/4 cup of salt and 1/4 cup of sugar in 4 cups of cold water. Submerge the catfish fillets in the brine and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry before seasoning.
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
So, you’ve grilled up a batch of delicious catfish, but you have leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat it to maintain its flavor and texture.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving grilled catfish at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the grilled catfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the grilled catfish. Wrap each fillet individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. Frozen grilled catfish can last for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: The best way to reheat grilled catfish is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the catfish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, but the texture may not be as good. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw the catfish in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I always add a little squeeze of lemon juice when reheating to help keep it moist!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I hope you give this grilled catfish recipe a try! It’s such a simple and delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal, and it’s perfect for those warm summer evenings. The smoky flavor and tender, flaky texture are simply irresistible, and the best part is that it’s so easy to customize with your favorite seasonings. If you love grilling fish, you should also check out my grilled tilapia and grilled mahi-mahi recipes! They’re just as easy and delicious. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what seasonings you used. I’m always looking for new ideas! Happy grilling!
Grilled Catfish Tips
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Catfish fillets
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush catfish fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill catfish for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
