Pan-Seared Catfish with Lemon Butter and Cajun Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Southern-inspired pan-seared catfish seasoned with bold Cajun spices and finished with a tangy lemon butter sauce. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, cajun seasoning, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the catfish fillets and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving, until a golden crust forms.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets and cook for another 3 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove the catfish to a warm plate and reduce heat to medium-low in the skillet.
  6. Step 6: Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet; cook for 1 minute until fragrant and the butter is melted.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, cooking for 30 seconds until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Step 8: Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the catfish fillets and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Lemon Butter and Cajun Spices 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 Lemon Butter and Cajun Spices?

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 cajun seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Lemon Butter and Cajun Spices?

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 Lemon Butter and Cajun Spices 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 Lemon Butter and Cajun Spices?

Southern 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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