Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun-Spiced Roasted Potatoes

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

Tender pan-seared catfish fillets paired with crispy Cajun-spiced roasted potatoes for a hearty Southern-inspired meal. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs about 6 oz each catfish fillets, olive oil, Cajun seasoning 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: 40 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 1.5 lbs quartered small red potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: While potatoes roast, pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add catfish fillets to skillet and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving, until edges are golden and crisp. Flip and cook 3 more minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Plate catfish with roasted potatoes, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped parsley over top, and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun-Spiced Roasted Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 Roasted Potatoes?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Cajun-Spiced Roasted Potatoes?

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 Roasted Potatoes 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 Roasted Potatoes?

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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