Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Charred Corn Relish

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

This dish features tender grilled catfish fillets seasoned with a robust Cajun spice blend, paired with a sweet and smoky charred corn relish that adds vibrant texture and flavor. This southern-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (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 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 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 catfish fillets with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place the catfish on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until opaque and flaky, with grill marks and a slight char around the edges.
  3. Step 3: While the fish cooks, char 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until kernels are browned and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Combine the charred corn with 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl. Stir to combine and let flavors meld for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled Cajun-spiced catfish topped with a generous spoonful of the charred corn relish alongside your favorite sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Charred 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Charred 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 (6 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Charred 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Charred 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.

Is Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Charred Corn Relish gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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