Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Butter and Garlic Green Beans

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared catfish fillets topped with a spicy Cajun butter sauce, served alongside garlic sautéed green beans for a simple yet flavorful seafood dinner. This southern american-inspired seafood (gluten free, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and season evenly with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning on both sides.
  2. 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 on one side without moving them until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
  3. Step 3: Flip the fillets and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Spoon the melted butter mixture over the fish and cook for 3 more minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: While the fish cooks, heat another skillet over medium heat and add 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and the 1 lb trimmed green beans. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the beans are tender-crisp and garlic is fragrant, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Remove fish and green beans from heat. Finish the fish by spooning the remaining Cajun butter from the pan over each fillet and serve immediately alongside the garlic green beans.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Butter and Garlic Green Beans take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Garlic Green 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 Catfish with Cajun Butter and Garlic Green 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 Catfish with Cajun Butter and Garlic Green 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.

Is Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Butter and Garlic Green Beans gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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