Cast Iron Cajun-Spiced Redfish with Creole Tomato Relish

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

Pan-seared redfish seasoned with a bold Cajun spice blend, topped with a vibrant Creole tomato and bell pepper relish that balances heat and tang. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) redfish fillets, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 redfish fillets and rub evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning on both sides; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Place seasoned redfish fillets in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden and crispy on the edges.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets and cook an additional 3 minutes until opaque and flaky; remove from skillet and keep warm.
  5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine 3 diced Roma tomatoes, 1 small diced green bell pepper, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp granulated sugar; stir well.
  6. Step 6: Season the tomato relish with salt and pepper to taste, then fold in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  7. Step 7: Spoon the Creole tomato relish over the hot redfish fillets and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cast Iron Cajun-Spiced Redfish with Creole Tomato 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 Cast Iron Cajun-Spiced Redfish with Creole Tomato 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 (6 oz each) redfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cast Iron Cajun-Spiced Redfish with Creole Tomato 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 Cast Iron Cajun-Spiced Redfish with Creole Tomato 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 Cast Iron Cajun-Spiced Redfish with Creole Tomato Relish?

Caribbean 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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