Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Okra

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

A regional Southern-inspired grilled catfish seasoned with bold Cajun spices paired with tender roasted okra. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (5 oz each) catfish fillets, divided 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 2 tbsp olive oil evenly on 4 catfish fillets, then season both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Toss 12 oz trimmed and halved fresh okra with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Spread okra in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Place okra in a preheated oven at 425°F and roast for 15 minutes until tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through.
  4. Step 4: Grill the seasoned catfish fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and flaky, about 145°F internal temperature. Remove from grill.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled catfish with roasted okra and 4 lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Okra take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Roasted Okra?

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 (5 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Okra?

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 Okra 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 Roasted Okra?

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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