Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Charred Corn Salad

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

A smoky grilled catfish fillet rubbed with Cajun spices paired with a fresh charred corn salad tossed in a tangy lime dressing. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe (gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Rub 4 catfish fillets evenly with 3 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, coating both sides thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Place the seasoned catfish on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and flaky with nice grill marks.
  3. Step 3: While the fish cooks, char 3 ears of corn directly over the grill or under a broiler until kernels are blackened in spots, about 5-7 minutes total. Let cool, then cut off kernels to yield 2 cups.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups charred corn kernels, 1 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  5. Step 5: Whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to coat well, adjusting seasoning to taste.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled Cajun catfish fillets topped with a generous scoop of the charred corn salad for a vibrant, flavorful meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Charred Corn Salad 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 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Charred Corn 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Charred Corn 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.

Is Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Charred Corn Salad 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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