Crispy Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Chipotle Aioli

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

Catfish fillets pan-seared until golden and crispy, served with a smoky and spicy chipotle aioli that adds a flavorful kick. This southern us-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends (5 oz each) catfish fillets, all-purpose flour, paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Southern US cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and dredge each in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Add the catfish fillets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 145°F.
  5. Step 5: While the fish cooks, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Serve the crispy catfish hot with a generous dollop of the spicy chipotle aioli on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Chipotle Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Crispy Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Chipotle Aioli?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Chipotle Aioli?

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 Crispy Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Chipotle Aioli 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 Crispy Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Chipotle Aioli?

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.

Related recipes