Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Butter and Lemon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared catfish fillets coated in a smoky Cajun butter sauce brightened by fresh lemon juice. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 20 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: 10 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add catfish fillets skin side down. Sear for 4 minutes without moving until edges crisp and golden, then flip and cook 3 more minutes until opaque and flaky.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté gently for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Remove butter from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the Cajun lemon butter over the cooked catfish fillets and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Lemon?

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 Lemon?

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 Lemon 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 Lemon?

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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