Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad

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

This dish features tender catfish fillets dusted with a smoky Cajun spice blend, grilled to perfection and served alongside a vibrant roasted corn and black bean salad tossed in a zesty lime dressing. This american-inspired seafood (gluten free) 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 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: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over 4 catfish fillets and rub 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning all over the fillets, making sure each is well coated.
  2. Step 2: Grill the catfish fillets for 4-5 minutes on each side until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has grill marks.
  3. Step 3: While the fish grills, heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 cup fresh corn kernels. Roast for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn develops charred spots and a smoky aroma.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the roasted corn, 1 cup drained black beans, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  5. Step 5: Whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled Cajun-spiced catfish fillets on plates with a generous scoop of the roasted corn and black bean salad alongside.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 Roasted 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 Roasted 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.

Is Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Corn and Black Bean 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.

Related recipes