Catfish and Cajun Dirty Rice
Dirty rice gets its name and flavor from small bits of well-seasoned meat cooked right into the grains, and catfish on the side keeps this feeling like a full Louisiana-style plate. It's a heartier way to serve fish than a plain fillet and side.
Dicing the sausage small is what lets it distribute through the rice instead of sitting as separate chunks, which is really what makes dirty rice work. Catfish holds up well to the same bold Cajun seasoning as the rice.
This is one of the more involved seafood recipes I make, but most of the work is just building flavor into the rice while the catfish cooks separately. Peppers and onion are the same base I use in a lot of my Cajun-style dishes.
The recipe card has the full ingredient breakdown and cook time for all ten portions. Let everything cool before sealing the containers, then refrigerate what you'll eat within four days. Reheat the catfish gently so it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition note: This is general food information, not individualized medical or nutrition advice.
Catfish and Cajun Dirty Rice
YIELD
10 portions
ESTIMATED NUTRITION
495 calories • 39g protein • 40g carbs • 19g fat per portion
What I really like about this recipe is how much flavor the finely diced sausage works into the rice.
Ingredients
• 3 3/4 lb catfish fillets
• 1 1/4 lb andouille sausage, finely diced
• 7 1/2 cups cooked rice
• 2 1/2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 1/2 onion, diced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• salt and pepper
Directions
1. Season the catfish with Cajun seasoning and sear in olive oil, 3–4 minutes per side, until it flakes easily; set aside.
2. Cook the diced sausage in the same pan until browned.
3. Add peppers and onion; cook until softened, then stir in the rice and remaining Cajun seasoning.
4. Let the food cool briefly, then divide it evenly among 10 airtight meal-prep containers with the catfish.
Meal-prep notes: Refrigerate promptly and use refrigerated portions within 3–4 days; freeze any portions you will not eat in that window. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the fish. Nutrition is estimated per portion.
