Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Butter and Sauteed Greens

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

Tender catfish fillets pan-seared with a spicy Cajun butter sauce, served alongside garlicky sautéed collard greens for a Southern-inspired meal. 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 350 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: 20 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp olive oil. Once shimmering, add the fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then remove and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine into a sauce.
  4. Step 4: In another pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 6 cups chopped collard greens, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and cook for 5-7 minutes until wilted but still vibrant.
  5. Step 5: Plate the catfish with a generous spoonful of Cajun butter sauce drizzled over and the sautéed collard greens on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Sauteed Greens?

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 Sauteed Greens?

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 Sauteed Greens 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 Sauteed Greens?

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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