Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Butter and Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Firm catfish fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a spicy Cajun butter and served over creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a Southern-inspired seafood dish. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs fillets, 6 oz each catfish fillets, cajun seasoning, divided unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets, 6 oz each catfish fillets
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 4 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
- 6 whole garlic cloves
- 2 lbs, peeled and quartered russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp, plus more to taste salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 6 whole garlic cloves on a small baking dish, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and roast for 20 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, add 2 lbs peeled and quartered russet potatoes to a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender.
- Step 3: Drain potatoes and mash with 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, roasted garlic cloves squeezed from skins, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until creamy; keep warm.
- Step 4: Pat 4 catfish fillets dry and season both sides evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
- Step 5: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming; add catfish fillets and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove catfish and set aside; reduce heat to low and add remaining 1 tbsp butter to skillet, stirring to create a spiced butter sauce.
- Step 7: Plate catfish fillets atop a bed of roasted garlic mashed potatoes and spoon Cajun butter over the fish. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over everything before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Butter and Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
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 Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
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 Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes 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 Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
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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