Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Lemon Butter Sauce

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

Tender catfish fillets seasoned with Cajun spices and pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a bright lemon butter sauce. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends (6 oz each) catfish fillets, cajun seasoning, 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 280 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the catfish carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
  5. Step 5: Lower the heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. When melted, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, cooking for another 1 minute until the sauce slightly thickens.
  7. Step 7: Pour the lemon butter sauce over the catfish fillets and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Butter Sauce?

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 Butter Sauce?

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 Butter Sauce 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 Butter Sauce?

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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