Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Spiced Red Beans

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

A Southern-inspired dish featuring tender catfish fillets rubbed with Cajun spices and served alongside slow-simmered red beans infused with smoked paprika and garlic. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs Cajun seasoning, olive oil, red kidney beans (canned, drained) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and rub evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add catfish and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until edges are crispy and fish flakes easily.
  2. Step 2: In a separate saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups drained red kidney beans, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Stir 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley into the beans, then serve the Cajun catfish fillets atop the spiced red beans for a hearty regional meal.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Red Beans?

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 Red Beans?

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 Red Beans 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 Red Beans?

Southern 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.

Related recipes