Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spice and Lemon Aioli

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-08 · Updated 2026-06-08

Crisp pan-seared catfish fillets seasoned with a smoky Cajun blend and served with a tangy lemon aioli. This American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 22 minutes, pairs 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.

Ingredients

• 4 (6 oz each) catfish fillets
• 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1, minced garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets with paper towels. Rub both sides evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the edges are golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
3. Step 3: While the catfish cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Serve the catfish immediately with a generous dollop of lemon aioli on top or on the side for dipping.