Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Corn and Black Bean Salad

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

A spicy grilled catfish fillet served alongside a fresh, tangy corn and black bean salad that balances smoky and bright flavors. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 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 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

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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 evenly sprinkle 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning over both sides.
  2. Step 2: Place the 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 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1 cup drained and rinsed canned black beans, 1 diced medium red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the corn and black bean mixture, tossing gently to combine and letting it sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled Cajun-spiced catfish fillets with a generous scoop of the corn and black bean salad on the side for a vibrant, balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Corn and Black Bean Salad 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 Corn and Black Bean 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 Corn and Black Bean 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 Corn and Black Bean 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.

What goes well with Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Corn and Black Bean Salad?

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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