Cracker Barrel Grilled Catfish
This Cracker Barrel Grilled Catfish recipe delivers the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors. The catfish is marinated in a simple blend of lemon, olive oil, and a variety of spices before being grilled to perfection. It’s an easy, healthy dish that’s ideal for summer cookouts or a cozy weeknight dinner. With a crispy exterior and tender, flaky inside, this catfish is a true Southern delight.
Equipment
- 1 Outdoor grill or grill pan
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 Basting brush
- 1 Pair of tongs
- 1 Paper towel
- 1 Serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 fillets 6-8 oz catfish, skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon juice only
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley or green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), and dried parsley. Stir until the seasonings are fully combined.
Marinate the catfish:
- Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brush the fillets with the prepared marinade on both sides. Cover and let the catfish marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Preheat the grill:
- Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375°F - 400°F). If you’re using a grill pan, heat it on the stove over medium heat and lightly oil the surface.
Grill the catfish:
- Place the marinated catfish fillets on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully with tongs. The catfish is done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Serve:
- Once grilled, remove the catfish from the grill and let it rest for a minute. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley or green onions for garnish. Pair with your favorite Southern sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Catfish substitute: If you can’t find catfish, you can substitute it with other white fish like tilapia, bass, or trout.
- Marinade time: Do not marinate the fish for more than an hour, as the lemon juice may start to break down the texture of the fish too much.
- Grill marks: For those perfect grill marks, place the fish at a 45-degree angle to the grill grates and rotate 90 degrees halfway through cooking.
- Sides: Grilled catfish pairs wonderfully with cornbread, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or even grilled corn on the cob.
- Indoor cooking: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, this recipe works great on an indoor grill pan—just ensure it’s well oiled to prevent sticking.