Simple Grilled Catfish

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/4/23
Tested by
Renae Wilson
Photo of Renae E. Wilson
Tested by Renae Wilson
Renae has certifications in both Pastry Arts and Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education and works as a private chef and caterer, recipe tester and developer, and food writer. Renae has written and developed recipes for Rachael Ray In Season, the Kitchn, Food52, and more.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Large browned catfish fillet on a charcoal grill

The Spruce Eats / Yana Karin
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 2 to 3 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
222 Calories
11g Fat
1g Carbs
28g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 to 3
Amount per serving
Calories 222
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 12%
Cholesterol 100mg 33%
Sodium 217mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 28g
Vitamin C 0mg 2%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 593mg 13%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

We are used to seeing fried or Cajun-style or blackened catfish on menus or in cookbooks, but this mild and somewhat dense fish is also delicious when grilled. And because it has a sweet flavor, this type of fish doesn't need a lot of seasoning. This recipe is quick and easy, with a simple coating of flavorful Worcestershire sauce and black pepper.

Grilled catfish is perfect served with fresh creamed corn and stir-fried spinach with garlic. Or grill some fresh vegetables while the coals are hot.

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"A great alternative to fried catfish. Great recipe for camping!" —Renae Wilson

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound catfish fillets

  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • Kosher salt, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Brush and oil the grates so that you have a clean grilling surface for the fish.

    Ingredients for grilled catfish recipe gathered

    The Spruce Eats / Yana Karin

  2. Brush the catfish fillets with the Worcestershire sauce and sprinkle with the ground pepper.

    Catfish fillets being brushed with sauce

    The Spruce Eats / Yana Karin

  3. Place the fish on the preheated grill. If using a charcoal grill, place the fillets about 4 to 6 inches from the heat. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes.

    Catfish fillets on a charcoal grill

    The Spruce Eats / Yana Karin

  4. Brush again and turn. Grill about 5 minutes longer, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Sprinkle with salt, if desired.

    Grilled catfish fillet on a plate with lemon slices

    The Spruce Eats / Yana Karin

    Tips

    Even some of the most confident cooks become a bit skittish when grilling fish fillets. There is a fear of the fish falling apart and through the grates, and sticking to the grill when trying to flip over. But by following a few tips you can be assured that you will achieve fish grilling success.

    • It is important that the grill is clean and the grates are coated with a bit of oil (using tongs and a paper towel with oil works well); it also should be nice and hot. A clean, oiled, hot grill will keep the fish from sticking to the grill grates.
    • Catfish is a firmer fish than other fish fillets, so it should stay intact when on the grill, but if you are concerned, you can use a fish-grilling basket, or place the fish in foil packets first—just keep in mind the fish will essentially steam this way and won't have the texture of grilled fish.

    Other Grilled Catfish Recipes

    • Or try a sweet and spicy grilled catfish, which combines ketchup, vinegar, horseradish, brown sugar, and garlic in the marinade.
    • Although not as easy to come by, if you do get your hands on some whole catfish you might want to try grilling them, basting with a tangy lemon-butter sauce that has a little bit of heat.