Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Southern Corn Salsa
A vibrant Southern-inspired grilled catfish seasoned with a robust blend of Cajun spices, paired with a sweet and tangy corn salsa bursting with fresh flavors. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, olive oil, Cajun seasoning into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (from 2 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 catfish fillets with 3 tbsp olive oil, then evenly sprinkle 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper over both sides.
- Step 2: Grill the catfish fillets for 4-5 minutes per side, until the flesh flakes easily with a fork and has grill marks.
- Step 3: While the fish cooks, combine 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 small minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp honey in a bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Serve the grilled catfish topped with the corn salsa, allowing the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors to complement the smoky fish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Southern Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Southern Corn Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Southern Corn Salsa?
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 Salsa 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 Salsa?
Southern 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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