Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun-Spiced Corn and Herb Butter

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

A Southern-inspired dish featuring tender pan-seared catfish seasoned with Cajun spices, paired with buttery corn accented by fresh herbs. This Southern-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the catfish fillets and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and edges are crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted and foaming, add 2 cups fresh corn kernels, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme.
  5. Step 5: Sauté the corn in the herb butter for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Plate the catfish fillets over the sautéed corn, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve immediately for a bright, flavorful finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun-Spiced Corn and Herb Butter 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 Corn and Herb Butter?

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-Spiced Corn and Herb Butter?

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 Corn and Herb Butter 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-Spiced Corn and Herb Butter?

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.

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