Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun-Spiced Grits and Pickled Okra

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-18 · Updated 2026-05-18

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A Southern-inspired dish featuring crispy pan-seared catfish served atop creamy Cajun-spiced grits, accented by tangy pickled okra. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 45 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 420 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: 35 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 420 cal/serving

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Ingredients

4 fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets
2 tbsp cajun seasoning
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cups water
1 cup stone-ground grits
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp, divided salt
1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
1/2 cup, sliced pickled okra
4, for serving lemon wedges

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Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits and 1/2 tsp salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
Step 2: Stir 2 tbsp butter and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the grits, mixing until melted and smooth. Cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides with 2 tbsp cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add catfish fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, with crispy edges.
Step 5: Serve each catfish fillet over a bed of cheesy cajun grits, topped with 1/2 cup sliced pickled okra. Garnish plates with lemon wedges for squeezing.