Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Citrus Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This dish features tender grilled catfish fillets seasoned with a bold Cajun spice blend, served alongside a refreshing citrus slaw that balances smoky and zesty flavors. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (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: 10 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 catfish fillets with 2 tbsp olive oil, then season evenly on both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place the seasoned catfish fillets on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While the fish grills, combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 large peeled and segmented orange, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion in a large bowl.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients, creating a bright, tangy citrus slaw.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled catfish fillets topped with a generous helping of the citrus slaw on the side for a refreshing contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Citrus Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Citrus Slaw?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Citrus Slaw?

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 Citrus Slaw 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Citrus Slaw?

Southern 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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