Pan-Seared Catfish with Garlic Butter and Lemon-Thyme Sauce

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

Golden pan-seared catfish fillets served with a bright garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon and thyme. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, for dredging all-purpose flour, salt 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 320 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: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Lightly dredge fillets in 1/2 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 foams.
  3. Step 3: Add catfish fillets to skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, flipping carefully to avoid breaking.
  4. Step 4: Remove fillets to a warm plate. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 2 tbsp butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and butter is melted.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, swirling the pan to combine and slightly thicken the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Pour garlic butter sauce over the catfish fillets and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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-Thyme 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-Thyme 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-Thyme 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-Thyme Sauce?

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