Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Butter and Charred Okra
Tender pan-seared catfish fillets topped with spicy Cajun butter served alongside smoky charred okra. This Southern United States-inspired seafood recipe (gluten free, low carb), ready in about 30 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 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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 (6 oz each) catfish fillets
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 12 oz, trimmed and halved lengthwise okra pods
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp 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 and season evenly on both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a warm plate.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 12 oz halved okra pods. Sauté over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until okra is charred in spots and tender. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Remove butter from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Drizzle the Cajun butter over the catfish fillets.
- Step 6: Plate the catfish topped with Cajun butter alongside the charred okra and serve immediately.







