Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creole Tomato Relish

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

This grilled catfish brings bold regional Cajun spices paired with a fresh Creole tomato relish for a vibrant Southern flavor. This southern us-inspired seafood ready in about 30 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 280 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Southern US cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and rub with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Creole tomato relish by combining 3 diced Roma tomatoes, 1 small finely chopped red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 minced garlic clove in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the seasoned catfish fillets for 4-5 minutes per side or until fish flakes easily with a fork and has a light char.
  4. Step 4: Serve each grilled catfish fillet topped with 3-4 tbsp of the chilled Creole tomato relish for a fresh, tangy contrast.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creole Tomato Relish take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Creole Tomato 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 olive oil from drying out.

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

What goes well with Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creole Tomato Relish?

Southern US 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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