Baked Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Regional Corn Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Southern-inspired baked catfish seasoned with bold Cajun spices paired with a vibrant corn relish featuring sweet bell peppers and fresh herbs. This southern us-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern US cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and rub them evenly with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place the fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Bake the catfish for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, with edges slightly crisp.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1 tsp honey to the corn mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the relish tastes bright and balanced.
  5. Step 5: Serve each catfish fillet topped with a generous spoonful of the vibrant corn relish for a fresh, regional flavor contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Regional Corn Relish take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Regional Corn Relish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Regional Corn Relish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Regional Corn Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Regional Corn Relish?

Southern US seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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