Pan-Seared Catfish with Lowcountry Tomato Gravy

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

Tender pan-seared catfish fillets served with a rich tomato and bell pepper gravy inspired by South Carolina’s coastal flavors. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs catfish fillets, cornmeal, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup cornmeal with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pat 4 catfish fillets dry and dredge each in the cornmeal mixture, coating evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the catfish fillets and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove fish and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 1 diced small green bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Add 1 can (14.5 oz) drained diced tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth, simmering for 8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp hot sauce and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the tomato gravy over the catfish and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Lowcountry Tomato Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Lowcountry Tomato Gravy?

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 Lowcountry Tomato Gravy?

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 Lowcountry Tomato Gravy 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 Lowcountry Tomato Gravy?

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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