The Best Cajun Fish with Peppers Recipe

(Only 260 Calories and a Flavor Bomb in Every Bite!)

Let’s be honest—fish recipes can be a total snoozefest. 💤 Bland, boring, and forgettable. But what if I told you there’s a spicy little number that brings the fire, the color, and the flavor—without torching your calorie count?

Enter: Cajun Fish with Peppers. This dish is like the rock concert of weeknight dinners—bold, loud, and anything but boring. It’s blackened white fish (crispy edges, smoky spices!) nestled into a rainbow of sautéed bell peppers and onions. And it clocks in at just 260 calories? Yep, I checked twice.

Stick around, because I’m walking you through every sizzling detail. This one’s gonna be a keeper.

Why Cajun Fish Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Rotation

You ever open the fridge, stare at a sad piece of white fish, and think, “Now what?” I’ve been there. Too many times. And that’s exactly how this Cajun Fish recipe was born. I was bored, hungry, and craving something with a kick.

So I did what any spice-obsessed food blogger would do: I raided my spice cabinet, blackened that fish, threw it in a pan with some bell peppers, and boom—Cajun magic happened.

Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

Fast and fuss-free: Ready in under 30 minutes. No joke.
Healthy without being boring: Just 260 calories per serving, packed with protein and nutrients.
Full-on flavor: The Cajun spice blend brings serious heat and depth.
Customizable: Don’t like spice? Dial it down. Love it hot? Bring it on.

What Is Cajun Seasoning, Anyway?

Great question. Cajun seasoning is like your loud, fun cousin who shows up to every party with flair. It’s bold. It’s punchy. And it does not believe in subtlety.

Typical Cajun seasoning includes:

Paprika (smoked or sweet)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Oregano
Thyme
Cayenne pepper (careful—this one bites!)
Black pepper
Salt

You can totally use a store-bought blend, but making your own lets you control the heat. FYI: I like mine smoky and spicy, with a hint of garlic. You do you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here—just simple, colorful ingredients that sing when they hit the pan.

For the Fish:

4 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or catfish work great)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice of half a lemon

For the Peppers:

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
A dash of hot sauce (for the brave)

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Cajun Fish with Peppers

Cooking this dish is ridiculously simple. Let me break it down like we’re cooking together in your kitchen.

Step 1: Season Your Fish Like You Mean It

Pat your fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick (and keeps the fish from steaming). Rub Cajun seasoning all over the fillets—don’t be shy.

Pro tip: Let the fish sit for 10 minutes so the flavors really soak in. It’s like a mini spa treatment, Cajun-style.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes until they’re soft but still have a little bite.

Season with salt and pepper. Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of your Cajun blend to the peppers too.

Step 3: Cook the Fish

Push the peppers to the side or transfer them to a plate if your skillet isn’t roomy enough.

Add another tablespoon of olive oil and gently place the fish fillets in the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the outside is nicely blackened and the inside is flaky.

Listen for that sizzle. That’s the sound of deliciousness in progress.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Return the peppers to the skillet (if you removed them), squeeze lemon juice over everything, and serve it hot. Add parsley, more Cajun seasoning, or hot sauce to taste.

Can I Use a Different Type of Fish?

Heck yes. This recipe is super flexible.

Best Fish Options:

Tilapia: Mild and affordable
Cod: Flaky and buttery
Catfish: Traditional Southern favorite
Mahi-Mahi or Snapper: A bit firmer, great for grilling

Avoid delicate fish like sole or flounder—they’ll fall apart under Cajun fire. We want blackened, not broken.

Want to Make It a Meal? Here Are Some Serving Ideas

This dish is awesome on its own, but if you want to round it out or impress guests, here are some sidekicks that pair perfectly:

Cilantro lime rice
Garlic mashed cauliflower
Cornbread muffins (because Southern comfort!)
Grilled corn or zucchini
Avocado slices for a creamy cool-down

Oh, and if you’re like me and love a little crunch? A quick slaw on the side is a dream.

Storage + Reheating Tips

Meal prep folks, rejoice. Cajun Fish with Peppers makes great leftovers.

To Store:

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
Avoid the microwave unless you enjoy rubbery fish (no judgment, but also… why?).

Common FAQs (Because I Know You’re Wondering)

Can I make this in the oven or air fryer?

Totally. Bake at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes or air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes. Just keep an eye on it—nobody likes overcooked fish.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a kick, but nothing crazy. Want it milder? Cut back on cayenne. Want to cry happy tears? Add more. You’re the boss of your own spice level.

Is it gluten-free?

Yep! Just double-check your Cajun spice blend to make sure there are no sneaky additives.

Why This Dish Works So Well (And Why You’ll Make It Again)

Let’s be real: anyone can slap a spice mix on fish and call it a day. But this recipe? It’s got balance. The sweet bell peppers mellow the heat. The lemon brightens everything up. The fish gets that smoky sear. It’s a flavor bomb—and it doesn’t feel like “health food,” even though it totally is.

And let’s not forget: It’s quick, it’s colorful, and it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen boss.

Final Thoughts: Spice Up Your Dinner Routine Already

Look, I’m not saying this Cajun Fish with Peppers will change your life… but I’m also not not saying that. It’s fast, flavorful, and fun to make. Plus, it’s got just enough sass to break you out of your dinner rut.

So next time you’re staring at a lonely fish fillet in your fridge, remember this recipe. Bookmark it. Share it. Make it once and watch it become a weekly habit.

Now it’s your turn:
Have you tried blackening fish before? What’s your go-to pepper color (I’m team yellow all the way)? Drop a comment, tag me on socials, or just send smoke signals. I want to see your creations!

Catch you next recipe!