Pan-Seared Catfish with Garlic Butter and Lemon Herb Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender pan-seared catfish fillet finished with a zesty garlic butter lemon herb sauce, perfect for a quick seafood dinner. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Lightly dredge each fillet in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts and begins to foam.
  3. Step 3: Place the fillets in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through with a flaky texture.
  4. Step 4: Remove fillets from pan and keep warm. Lower heat to medium and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1 tsp chopped thyme; cook for 30 seconds until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Pour the garlic butter lemon herb sauce over the catfish fillets and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Garlic Butter and Lemon Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Catfish with Garlic Butter and Lemon Herb Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Garlic Butter and Lemon Herb Sauce?

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 Garlic Butter and Lemon Herb Sauce 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 Garlic Butter and Lemon Herb Sauce?

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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