Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Lemon Aioli and Cajun-Spiced Potato Wedges

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

Cajun-spiced catfish fillets pan-seared to golden perfection served with crispy potato wedges and a tangy lemon aioli. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes blends cajun seasoning, medium, cut into wedges potatoes, divided olive oil 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 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 4 medium potato wedges with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway.
  2. Step 2: While potatoes roast, pat 4 catfish fillets dry and sprinkle evenly with 1 tbsp cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add catfish fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, edges crispy.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth to make lemon aioli.
  5. Step 5: Serve the pan-seared catfish with roasted cajun potato wedges and a dollop of lemon aioli, garnished with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Lemon Aioli and Cajun-Spiced Potato Wedges take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Lemon Aioli and Cajun-Spiced Potato Wedges?

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 Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Lemon Aioli and Cajun-Spiced Potato Wedges?

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 Lemon Aioli and Cajun-Spiced Potato Wedges 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 Lemon Aioli and Cajun-Spiced Potato Wedges?

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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