Oven-Roasted Cajun Catfish with Spiced Cornbread

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

This Southern-inspired dish pairs tender oven-roasted Cajun-seasoned catfish with moist, spiced cornbread for a comforting regional meal. This american southern-inspired seafood ready in about 40 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 380 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American Southern cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Rub this mixture evenly over 4 catfish fillets and place them on a lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Roast the catfish in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the edges are lightly crisped.
  3. Step 3: While the catfish roasts, prepare the cornbread batter: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 3/4 cup buttermilk and 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter until combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined; do not overmix.
  6. Step 6: Pour the cornbread batter into a greased 8-inch square baking pan and bake in the preheated oven (alongside the catfish if space allows) for 20-22 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: Serve the roasted Cajun catfish fillets alongside warm spiced cornbread slices for a flavorful Southern regional meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted Cajun Catfish with Spiced Cornbread take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Oven-Roasted Cajun Catfish with Spiced Cornbread?

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 Oven-Roasted Cajun Catfish with Spiced Cornbread?

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 Oven-Roasted Cajun Catfish with Spiced Cornbread 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 Oven-Roasted Cajun Catfish with Spiced Cornbread?

American 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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