Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Sweet Corn Hush Puppies

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Smoky grilled catfish fillets seasoned with Cajun spices paired with golden, crunchy sweet corn hush puppies for a Southern-inspired meal. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes layers (6 oz each) catfish fillets, cajun seasoning, olive oil into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 catfish fillets with 2 tbsp olive oil and evenly coat with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Set aside for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, and 1/2 cup thawed corn kernels, stirring gently to form a thick batter.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter into the hot oil, frying in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: Grill seasoned catfish fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through, with grill marks visible and fish flaking easily.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled catfish alongside the warm sweet corn hush puppies for a hearty, regional-inspired dish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Sweet Corn Hush Puppies take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Sweet Corn Hush Puppies?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Sweet Corn Hush Puppies?

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 Sweet Corn Hush Puppies 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 Sweet Corn Hush Puppies?

Southern 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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