Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spice and Creamy Grits

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

A Southern-inspired dish featuring crispy pan-seared catfish seasoned with Cajun spices, served atop smooth, buttery grits. This southern-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 45 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 450 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: 30 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, evenly coat 4 catfish fillets with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, rubbing it into the flesh. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until thickened and tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper into the cooked grits until smooth and creamy. Keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the seasoned catfish fillets in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the exterior is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Serve the catfish immediately over a bed of creamy grits, garnished with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Grits?

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 Creamy Grits?

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 Grits 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.

Is Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spice and Creamy Grits gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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