Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Southern Corn Relish
A smoky grilled catfish seasoned with bold Cajun spices paired with a refreshing Southern-style corn and tomato relish. This southern us-inspired seafood ready in about 27 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup, quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 catfish fillets with 2 tbsp olive oil and season evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups corn kernels, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Add 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil; mix gently until combined. Set aside to marinate.
- Step 3: Place the seasoned catfish fillets on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has grill marks.
- Step 4: Serve each grilled catfish fillet topped with a generous spoonful of the Southern corn relish for a bright, fresh contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Southern Corn Relish take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Southern Corn 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 Southern Corn 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 Southern Corn 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 Southern Corn 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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