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

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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 pairs cajun seasoning, medium, cut into wedges potatoes, divided olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) 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.

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). 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 Lemon Aioli and Cajun-Spiced Potato Wedges?

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 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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