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One-Pan Blackened Catfish with Cajun Green Beans
Original recipe: 4 servings · Prep: 10 min · Cook: 15 min · Total: 25 min
By PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished May 10, 2026 | Updated May 11, 2026
Cajun-Inspired
25 mins
onepanpescatarianlowcarbeasyglutenfreedairyfreeflavorfulweeknight
A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring perfectly blackened catfish alongside vibrant Cajun-spiced green beans, delivering bold flavors with minimal cleanup.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
Cajun-Inspired
Ingredients
Servings
4
- 4 catfish fillets (6 ounces each), skinless and boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for green beans)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create the blackening spice mix.
-
Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of each fillet evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
-
Coat each fillet generously with the blackening spice mix, pressing it onto the fish to ensure it adheres well.
-
Heat a large heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat until shimmering.
-
Add the catfish fillets to the pan and sear without moving for about 3-4 minutes, until a dark crust forms and the edges begin to look opaque.
-
Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the pan and set aside on a warm plate.
-
In the same pan, add the trimmed green beans. Toss them in the pan juices and add smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
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Sauté the green beans for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they are tender-crisp and slightly blistered.
-
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the green beans and give them a final toss to combine.
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Return the catfish fillets to the pan just to warm through for about 1 minute with the green beans.
-
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Tips
Pan Or Pot Required
This recipe is designed as a perfect one-pan meal using a single large skillet or heavy pan, such as a cast-iron skillet.
Cookware Size Guidance
Use a large heavy skillet or cast-iron pan at least 12 inches in diameter for this one-pan blackened catfish with Cajun green beans recipe.
Cookware Swap Guidance
This dish excels as a one-pan meal , best prepared in a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan to achieve the signature blackened crust on catfish and perfectly sautéed Cajun green beans.
Leftovers Quality
Reheat gently and add a splash of liquid when needed to keep the texture moist and tender.
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