Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun-Spiced Butter and Sauteed Spinach

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

Tender catfish fillets pan-seared and topped with a rich Cajun-spiced butter, served alongside garlicky sautéed spinach for a Southern-inspired seafood dish. This southern american-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, teaspoon salt, teaspoon black pepper 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, pressing gently to adhere.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fillets and cook for 4 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy, then carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until opaque and flaky.
  3. Step 3: Remove fillets to a warm plate. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves, stirring until fragrant and bubbling but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the Cajun-spiced butter over the catfish fillets.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a separate pan, sauté 6 cups fresh spinach with a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon lemon juice over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green.
  6. Step 6: Serve the catfish topped with butter alongside the garlicky spinach.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun-Spiced Butter and Sauteed Spinach 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-Spiced Butter and Sauteed Spinach?

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 teaspoon salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun-Spiced Butter and Sauteed Spinach?

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-Spiced Butter and Sauteed Spinach 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-Spiced Butter and Sauteed Spinach low carb?

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

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