Smoked Catfish is sweet and spicy catfish fillets that are smoked to perfection. Not only is this recipe healthy but so delicious.
We've been trying to eat a little healthier in our house, and this recipe is so tasty. You can't even tell that you are eating something healthy. If you enjoy flavorful flaky fish you are going to love this easy recipe.
Smoked Catfish Recipe
This recipe was inspired by my Easy Broiled Lemon Garlic Shrimp. I know what you are thinking, how do you get from Lemon Shrimp to Smoked Catfish? Well, I don't know, my mind works in mysterious ways. But, let me tell you both of these recipes are healthy and amazingly delicious. If you are a fan of seafood you are going to love both of these recipes.
Ingredients
You only need six simple ingredients to make this delicious Smoked Catfish Recipe
- Catfish Filets
- Olive Oil
- Honey
- Cajun Seasoning
- Dried Thyme
- Sea Salt
Look for the recipe amounts down below in the recipe card.
Instructions How to Smoke Catfish
Can you believe that there are only two steps to make this Smoked Catfish recipe.
Step 1: Marinate your catfish
Place all your ingredients except the fish, in a large bowl and whisk until combined. Add your fish filets to the bowl, cover, and let chill in the fridge to marinate for 4 hours, minimum.
Step 2: Smoke your catfish
Begin preheating your smoker to 225 degrees once the fish are ready and once it comes to temperature, lay the fish filets on the grate. Smoke for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. Remove from the smoker and enjoy!
Hint: I used cherry pellets to make this delicious smoked catfish recipe. You can order these cherry pellets online if you need them.
Substitutions
Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this smoked catfish recipe.
- Garlic - don't like your catfish spicy? Replace the cajun seasoning with garlic powder instead.
- Oil - use any type of oil that your family prefers
Variations
Want to personalize this Smoked Catfish recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.
- Spicy - add more Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for an extra spicy kick.
- Honey - instead of honey try maple syrup or if you don't want a sweet taste simply skip it altogether.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy Maple Bourbon Braided Salmon recipe.
Equipment
You only need three kitchen tools to help you make this delicious and tasty recipe.
- Bowl
- Smoker
- Pellets for smoker
Storage
Store leftover catfish in the fridge for up to three days.
Tips
Here are my favorite tips to help your Smoked Catfish recipe turn out well for you.
- I used cherry wood pellets made by Traeger, which gave the fish an amazing flavor compared to the cheaper brands. I would suggest only using fruit wood pellets as some of the other types can really soak into the fish and be too overpowering.
- This is a very forgiving fish to work with, so you can add or take away ingredients to make it your own and you’ll most likely love it either way.
- If you leave the catfish to marinate overnight, that’s the best option, but 4 hours will do the job.
- It doesn’t matter the size of the fish or the time you cook it, as much as it does the internal temperature. As long as your catfish reaches 140 degrees, you’re good to go.
More Smoked Recipes
Do you like Smoked recipes? Here some recipes you may also like to try
FAQ
Do you have questions about Smoked Catfish? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this recipe.
Reheat this Smoked Catfish in the oven at 350 degrees for 6 to 10 minutes or until warm. Or, in the microwave for about one minute.
Yes, you can freeze this Smoked Catfish. This will store well in the freezer for up to three months.
Absolutely, you can easily double this recipe.
Smoked Catfish
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Smoked Catfish
Equipment
- smoker
- large bowl or resealable bag
- cutting board or platter
Ingredients
- 4 large Catfish Filets
- ½ Cup Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Tablespoons Coarse Sea Salt
Instructions
- Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
- Place olive oil in large bowl or resealable bag.
- Add honey, cajun seasoning, thyme and sea salt to your large bowl or bag.
- Whisk until combined.
- Add your fish filets to the bowl, cover, and let chill in the fridge to marinate for 4 hours, minimum.
- Begin preheating your smoker to 225 degrees once the fish are ready and once it comes to temperature, lay the fish filets on the grate.
- Smoke for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.
- Remove from the smoker and place on cutting board or serving plate.
- Enjoy!
- Every bite!
Notes
- I used cherry wood pellets made by Traeger, which gave the fish an amazing flavor compared to the cheaper brands.
- I would suggest only using fruit wood pellets as some of the other types can really soak into the fish and be too overpowering.
- This is a very forgiving fish to work with, so you can add or take away ingredients to make it your own and you’ll most likely love it either way.
- If you leave the catfish to marinate overnight, that’s the best option, but 4 hours will do the job.
- It doesn’t matter the size of the fish or the time you cook it, as much as it does the internal temperature. As long as your catfish reaches 140 degrees, you’re good to go.
Nutrition
Marty says
Great taste! How long can I refrigerate it for?
Karin and Ken says
You can store in your fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. We love this recipe. All the best. Karin