Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Spiced Cornbread

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

This Southern-inspired dish features tender pan-seared catfish fillets seasoned with bold Cajun spices, paired with moist, slightly sweet cornbread infused with jalapeños and cheddar. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs about 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 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. 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: 30 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup milk, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined, then fold in 1 small finely chopped jalapeño and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  3. Step 3: While the cornbread bakes, pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Add the catfish fillets to the hot skillet and cook for 4 minutes per side until the crust is well browned and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve the pan-seared Cajun catfish alongside warm spiced cornbread slices for a hearty, flavorful meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Spiced Cornbread take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Spiced Cornbread?

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 Spiced Cornbread?

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 Spiced Cornbread 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 Spiced Cornbread?

Southern 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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