Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spice and Creamy Corn Relish

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

Delicately pan-seared catfish fillets seasoned with Cajun spices served alongside a sweet and creamy corn relish for a Southern-inspired seafood dish. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs (5 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 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: 12 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and evenly coat both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the catfish fillets and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 2 thinly sliced green onions, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, mixing well.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet used for fish, add 1 tbsp butter over medium heat and sauté the corn relish mixture for 2 minutes until warmed through and slightly creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the Cajun-spiced catfish topped with the creamy corn relish for a balanced and flavorful seafood entrée.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spice and Creamy Corn Relish take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Creamy Corn Relish?

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 (5 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spice and Creamy Corn Relish?

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 Creamy Corn Relish 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 Creamy Corn Relish?

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.

Related recipes