Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Creole Tomato Relish

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

A vibrant Southern-inspired pan-seared catfish seasoned with bold Cajun spices, topped with a zesty Creole tomato relish bursting with fresh herbs and peppers. This southern us-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Southern US cuisine 300 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and season evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add catfish fillets and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, with opaque flesh that flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a bowl combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1 tsp hot sauce. Stir well and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Step 4: Remove catfish from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Spoon the Creole tomato relish generously over each fillet before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Creole Tomato Relish take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Creole Tomato 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 cajun seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Creole Tomato 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 Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Creole Tomato 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 Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Creole Tomato 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.

Related recipes