Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Remoulade and Roasted Corn Salad
Golden pan-seared catfish fillets served alongside a zesty Cajun remoulade and a sweet roasted corn salad, inspired by Southern Texan flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups (about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 cups fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup diced red onion with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until corn is lightly charred and vegetables are softened.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to make the Cajun remoulade. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and refrigerate.
- Step 3: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and sprinkle evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning on both sides.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, flipping carefully to avoid breaking.
- Step 5: To serve, spoon roasted corn salad onto plates, place a catfish fillet on top, and drizzle with Cajun remoulade. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Remoulade and Roasted Corn Salad take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Remoulade and Roasted Corn Salad?
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 Remoulade and Roasted Corn Salad?
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 Remoulade and Roasted Corn Salad 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 Remoulade and Roasted Corn Salad?
American 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.
