Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Texas Sweet Corn Salad
This dish pairs Cajun-seasoned grilled catfish with a vibrant Texas sweet corn salad for a fresh taste inspired by Houston’s Southern roots. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) catfish fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 small jalapeño, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
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 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced small jalapeño, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Toss gently to mix and let sit to meld flavors.
- Step 3: Grill the catfish fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and flaky with nice grill marks.
- Step 4: Serve grilled catfish topped with the fresh Texas sweet corn salad for a lively contrast of smoky and bright flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Texas Sweet Corn Salad take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Texas Sweet Corn 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 (6 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Texas Sweet Corn 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 Texas Sweet Corn 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.
What goes well with Grilled Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Texas Sweet Corn Salad?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is my new go-to recipe for catfish. The Cajun spice blend is spot on and the corn salad is refreshing. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
I made this for a dinner party and everyone raved. The catfish was grilled to perfection and the corn salad was the perfect side.
- ★★★★★
Quick and flavorful. The catfish was moist and the spices really came through. Served with the corn salad and it was a complete meal.