Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spiced Creamed Corn

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate catfish fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, paired with creamy corn infused with a bold Cajun spice blend for a southern regional touch. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (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 380 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 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and season evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the catfish fillets and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until corn is tender.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and stir to combine. Cook an additional 3 minutes until cream thickens and coats the corn. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 thinly sliced green onions just before removing from heat. Serve catfish atop creamed corn with lemon wedges on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spiced Creamed Corn 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 Creamed Corn?

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 (6 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun Spiced Creamed Corn?

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 Creamed Corn 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 Creamed Corn?

Southern American 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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