Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spice and Braised Okra

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

Tender catfish fillets seasoned with Cajun spices and pan-seared to a golden crust, served alongside slow-braised okra simmered in a savory tomato broth. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, Cajun seasoning, vegetable oil 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 12 oz sliced okra and 1 cup diced tomatoes. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes until the okra is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the catfish over the braised okra, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and garnish with 4 lemon wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spice and Braised Okra take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Spice and Braised Okra?

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 Spice and Braised Okra?

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 Spice and Braised Okra 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 Spice and Braised Okra?

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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