Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Collard Greens
A smoky and spicy grilled catfish filet paired with tender sautéed collard greens, capturing the flavors of the American South. This american southern-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs about 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, about 6 oz each catfish fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 lb, stemmed and chopped collard greens
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 4 lemon wedges
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 catfish fillets with 2 tbsp olive oil, then rub evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Place the seasoned catfish on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the fish flakes easily and has grill marks.
- Step 3: While fish cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 lb chopped collard greens, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 8-10 minutes until greens are tender and slightly wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled catfish fillets atop the sautéed collard greens with 4 lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Collard Greens take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Collard Greens?
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 Collard Greens?
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 Collard Greens 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 Collard Greens?
American Southern 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.
