Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Butter and Corn Relish

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

A Southern-inspired seafood dish featuring crispy pan-seared catfish fillets topped with a zesty Cajun butter and served alongside a fresh corn and tomato relish. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) catfish fillets, cajun seasoning, unsalted butter 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, pressing gently to adhere.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, flipping carefully.
  3. Step 3: While the fish cooks, combine 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice in a bowl; season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Step 4: Remove the catfish from the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet, stirring until melted and bubbling, then spoon the Cajun butter over the fillets.
  5. Step 5: Serve each catfish fillet topped with the warm Cajun butter alongside a generous scoop of the fresh corn and tomato relish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Butter and Corn Relish take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Catfish with Cajun Butter and Corn Relish?

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 Catfish with Cajun Butter and Corn Relish?

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 Catfish with Cajun Butter and Corn Relish 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 Catfish with Cajun Butter and Corn Relish?

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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