Cajun-Style Whitefish with Spiced Corn and Black Bean Salad

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

Pan-seared whitefish seasoned with Cajun spices paired with a fresh, zesty corn and black bean salad for a wholesome seafood entrée. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 27 minutes pairs whitefish fillets, cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 whitefish fillets (5 oz each) and evenly coat both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the seasoned whitefish fillets and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through, with a golden crust.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine 1 1/2 cups corn kernels, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 minced small jalapeño, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium heat and sauté the corn and black bean salad mixture for 2-3 minutes until warmed and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Serve the Cajun whitefish fillets atop a bed of the spiced corn and black bean salad immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Style Whitefish with Spiced Corn and Black Bean Salad take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Cajun-Style Whitefish with Spiced Corn and Black Bean Salad?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Style Whitefish with Spiced Corn and Black Bean Salad?

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 Cajun-Style Whitefish with Spiced Corn and Black Bean Salad 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 Cajun-Style Whitefish with Spiced Corn and Black Bean Salad?

American 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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