Pan-Seared Catfish with Citrus-Honey Glaze
A tender pan-seared catfish fillet glazed with a bright, sweet citrus-honey sauce that highlights fresh Florida flavors. This American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs catfish fillets, olive oil, salt 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, about 6 oz each catfish fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 4 minutes on one side until golden and crispy, then carefully flip and cook another 3 minutes until cooked through and opaque.
- Step 3: Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, and 2 tbsp honey to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return the catfish to the skillet, spoon the glaze over the fillets for 1 minute to warm through.
- Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Citrus-Honey Glaze 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 Citrus-Honey Glaze?
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 Citrus-Honey Glaze?
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 Citrus-Honey Glaze 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 Citrus-Honey Glaze?
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.
