Pan-Seared Catfish with Cherokee-Inspired Corn Relish

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

Delicate pan-seared catfish served with a bright and tangy corn relish inspired by the Cherokee region's fresh produce. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (5 oz each) catfish fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 1/2 cups corn kernels, 1 small diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Set the corn relish aside to marinate.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets, then season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp paprika.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 145°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove the fish and keep warm. Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then pour in the corn relish. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until warmed and slightly softened.
  5. Step 5: Serve the pan-seared catfish topped with the warm Cherokee-inspired corn relish for a fresh, regional-inspired dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Cherokee-Inspired Corn Relish take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Cherokee-Inspired Corn Relish?

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 (5 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Cherokee-Inspired Corn Relish?

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 Cherokee-Inspired Corn Relish 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 Cherokee-Inspired Corn Relish?

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.

Related recipes