Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spice and Cornbread Crumble
This dish features pan-seared catfish fillets dusted with a bold Cajun spice blend, paired with a crunchy cornbread crumble topping that adds texture and Southern charm. This Southern US-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs catfish fillets, Cajun seasoning, cornbread crumbs 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) catfish fillets
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup cornbread crumbs
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets, then season evenly on both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the fillets and cook for 4 minutes per side until the edges are crispy and fish flakes easily.
- Step 3: While fish cooks, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Stir in 1/2 cup cornbread crumbs and sauté for 3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Step 4: Remove fish from heat, drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over each fillet, and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 5: Serve the catfish topped with the warm cornbread crumble for a delightful contrast in texture.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spice and Cornbread Crumble take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Cornbread Crumble?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spice and Cornbread Crumble?
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 Cornbread Crumble 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 Cornbread Crumble?
Southern US 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.
