BLACKENED CATFISH

Not Lackin' on the Blackenin' Catfish

2 tablespoons paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons sea salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 (6-ounce) catfish fillets

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 tablespoons butter

4 lemon wedges

On a plate, mix together the paprika, cayenne, thyme, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper for the blackened spice mixture. Coat the catfish fillets on one side (presentation side) only in the spice mixture and set aside.

Heat a large cast iron fry pan or saute pan over high heat until it is "white hot".

Add oil to pan. When oil begins to slightly smoke, add catfish fillets  (presentation side down)and cook about 2 to 3 minutes. Then turn over presentation side up) and put in a hot oven to finish cooking.  Cook in batches, if necessary, and transfer cooked fillets to a preheated 200 degree F oven while cooking remaining fillets.

To serve, top each fillet with 1/2 tablespoon of butter and serve with lemon wedges.