Spicy Grilled Catfish

Fire up the grill for a zesty seafood dish bursting with bold flavors—Spicy Grilled Catfish! This quick and easy recipe brings together tender catfish fillets and a vibrant marinade made with smoky paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, and zesty lime juice, creating a perfect harmony of spice and citrus. In just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you'll have a satisfying main course that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts. Cooked to perfection over medium-high heat, the fillets develop beautiful char marks and a flaky, succulent texture. Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a refreshing garnish, and let this smoky, flavorful favorite steal the spotlight. Perfect for fans of spicy grilled fish recipes, this dish is sure to become a household classic!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces catfish fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• 4 pieces lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels and set them aside on a plate.

Step 2

In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a marinade.

Step 3

Brush the marinade generously over both sides of each catfish fillet, ensuring an even coating. Let the fillets sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.

Step 4

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed and covered with white ash.

Step 5

Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. You can use a folded paper towel dipped in oil and held with tongs to grease the grates.

Step 6

Place the catfish fillets on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them. This will help develop nice grill marks.

Step 7

Carefully flip the fillets using a spatula and cook for another 3-5 minutes on the second side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 8

Remove the catfish from the grill and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(807.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	799.8

Total Fat 40.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 280mg	0%
Sodium 2574.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 39.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.5g	0%
Total Sugars 5.4g
Protein 77.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 169.0mg	0%
Iron 4.3mg	0%
Potassium 1682.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.1%

Protein: 37.1%

Carbs: 18.8%