We rub our catfish fillets with oil and a delicious cajun BBQ rub before smoking low and slow with indirect heat until they are cooked to perfection.These simple Smoked Catfish fillets can be prepared on ANY grill or smoker!Whether you are using a pellet grill like a Traeger or Pit Boss, an electric smoker like a Masterbuilt, or just a conventional propane grill like a Weber, you can still follow the same basic principles below.
Wood chunks or a pellet tube smoker with pellets or a smoker box with wood chips
Grill Basket or Grilling Mat (optional)
Grill Tongs or Spatula
Instant Read Thermometer and/or Leave in Temperature Probe
Ziploc Bag
Filet Knife
Cutting Board
Ingredients
2lbsCatfish Fillets rinsed patted drycut into (4) ½ lb portions
6tablespoonOlive Oil
Cajun BBQ Rub
1tablespoonSmoked Paprika
1tablespoonGarlic Powder
1tablespoonOnion Powder
2teaspoonRed Pepper Flakes
2teaspoonDried Thyme
1½teaspoonCelery Salt
1teaspoonBlack Pepper
½teaspoonKosher Saltadd more as desired
Instructions
Prepare and Season the Catfish
Divide the catfish fillets into 8 oz portions. Rinse well and pat dry.
Place the catfish fillets on a cutting board and drizzle the olive oil over both sides of each fillet and rub to cover the surfaces.
Combine the Cajun BBQ rub ingredients in a small mixing bowl and then sprinkle over each side of the catfish fillets.
Place the fillets in a ziploc bag in the refrigerator while you prepare and preheat your grill or smoker.
Set up the Grill, Pellet Grill, or Smoker
Light or turn on your smoker or pellet grill and set up the temperature to 250°F. If using a grill, set up the burners or charcoal on only one side for indirect cooking.
Brush the grill grates with oil to keep the smoked catfish from sticking or use an oiled grill basket to hold the fillets.
Add your wood chunk(s) directly to the firebox or on top of the charcoal of a smoker, or use chips in a smoker box, or pellets in a tube smoker on a gas grill.
Smoking the Catfish
Once smoke is being produced, put your catfish filets in the smoker, or on the grill AWAY from the direct heat.
Cook the catfish fillets continuously at 250°F, flipping and rotating as needed, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This should take about 45-60 minutes.
Remove the smoked catfish from the grill or smoker, optionally squeeze some lemon juice over the fillets, and serve immediately while hot.