Blackened Cajun-Style Fish Fillets: A Flavorful American Seafood Dinner

Looking for a lively, flavorful fish dinner that’s truly American? This recipe delivers bold Cajun seasoning, crisp searing, and flaky white fish fillets — ideal for weeknight cooking or a special weekend meal.

Why this recipe works

Fish dinners are growing in popularity in American kitchens thanks to recipes that combine speed, flavour and fresh ingredients. Allrecipes lists “Quick and Easy Baked Fish Fillet” and other speedy fish dishes that can be ready in under 20 minutes. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} Here, the Cajun blackening technique gives the fish a deep, smoky crust and full flavour, making an everyday ingredient into something memorable.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 4 fillets (about 6-oz each) of firm white fish (e.g., cod, tilapia, snapper)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley or green onion, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with olive oil on both sides.
2. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt and black pepper.
3. Brush the fillets with melted butter, then generously coat both sides of each fillet with the spice mixture.
4. Pre-heat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until hot. You should see a light shimmer from the oil/ butter mixture.
5. Place the fillets in the pan. Sear without moving for about 3–4 minutes, until the underside has a dark crust and the edges start turning opaque.
6. Carefully flip the fillets and cook another 2–3 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through (it flakes easily with a fork). If fillets are thick, you may cover loosely and reduce heat to finish through without burning the crust.
7. Just before removing from the pan, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish. Transfer to serving plates.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onion, and serve immediately.

Serving suggestions & tips

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides: roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a crisp mixed salad. For a heartier plate, serve over rice or quinoa, or alongside oven-roasted potatoes.

• **Choose the right fish:** A firm white fish fillet holds up well to blackening and searing. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• **Dry the fish well:** Moisture causes steaming instead of crisping.
• **Use a hot heavy pan:** Cast iron helps achieve that deep crust without overcooking the interior.
• **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Leave space around fillets so they sear instead of steaming.
• **Adjust the spice level:** If you prefer mild, reduce the cayenne pepper to ½ tsp or omit altogether.

Why it’s a great fit for your blog

This recipe delivers several SEO advantages: – A clearly-defined recipe format, popular keywords like “American fish recipe” and “Cajun fish fillet”. – Engaging intro that emphasizes flavour and cultural context. – Sub-headings (H2) for readability and search optimisation. – Serving suggestions and tips that keep readers on the page and boost time-on-site.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking to add a standout fish dish to your blog, this blackened Cajun-style fish fillet hits the mark: bold in flavour, approachable for home cooks, and aligned with trending American seafood recipes. Try it this week and invite comments — ask readers how they adjusted the spice or what side they served it with.

Looking for more seafood inspiration? Check out our grilled salmon recipe or easy baked white fish dinner.