Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Spicy Corn Maque Choux

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

Crispy pan-seared catfish seasoned with Cajun spices paired with a savory, slightly spicy corn and bell pepper sauté inspired by Louisiana’s regional flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) catfish fillets, olive oil, Cajun seasoning 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 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through with crispy edges. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil plus 2 tbsp butter. Add 1 diced onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups yellow corn kernels and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; cook for another 4 minutes until the corn is tender and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and season with salt to taste. Serve the catfish atop the spicy corn maque choux with lemon wedges on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Spicy Corn Maque Choux 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 Spicy Corn Maque Choux?

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 (6 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cajun Catfish with Spicy Corn Maque Choux?

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 Spicy Corn Maque Choux 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 Spicy Corn Maque Choux?

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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