Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Spiced Corn Relish
This dish features tender catfish fillets pan-seared with a bold Cajun spice blend, topped with a vibrant corn relish that balances sweetness and heat. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup, finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown edges form and fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: While catfish cooks, combine 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 minced small jalapeño (seeded), 2 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and stir gently.
- Step 4: Plate the catfish fillets and spoon the spiced corn relish over the top. Serve immediately for a balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors.






