Easy BBQ Glaze Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Catfish
This easy BBQ glaze recipe gets a whole meal of grilled catfish on the table in about 20 minutes, start to finish. Catfish is a Southern staple for a reason — mild, quick-cooking, and perfect for soaking up a sweet-and-spicy glaze that caramelizes fast over direct heat.
Why Catfish Deserves a Spot on the Grill
Catfish fillets are thin enough to cook through in just a few minutes per side, which makes this easy BBQ glaze recipe ideal for a weeknight dinner when you don't want to babysit a smoker for hours. The fish's mild, slightly sweet flavor makes it a great match for a fruit-based pepper jelly glaze.
The Peach Habanero Spread is our favorite for catfish — the peach sweetness complements the fish while the habanero adds just enough kick. If you want more heat without the sweetness, the Red Hot Spread works well too.
The 20-Minute Method
- Pat the fillets dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne.
- Oil the grates well to prevent sticking, since catfish is delicate.
- Grill over medium-high heat, about 3–4 minutes per side, until the fish flakes easily.
- Warm your easy BBQ glaze recipe base in a small pan while the fish cooks.
- Brush the glaze on during the last minute on each side so it caramelizes without burning.
- Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon and any extra glaze spooned over the top.
Round Out the Meal
Pair the catfish with a quick slaw or grilled corn to keep the whole dinner under 20 minutes. This easy BBQ glaze recipe also works well brushed on shrimp or tilapia if catfish isn't available at your market.
Weeknight-Friendly Tips
Keep a jar of glaze pre-warmed and ready in a small saucepan on the side burner so you're not scrambling once the fish hits the grill. Because the cook time is so short, having everything prepped and within reach makes the biggest difference.
Shop the full range of pepper jelly glazes built for quick weeknight meals at Smoky Mountain Spread.