Pan-Seared Catfish with Smoked Paprika and Tomato Salsa

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-13 · Updated 2026-04-13

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A Mississippi-inspired dish featuring tender catfish fillets with a smoky spice crust, served atop a vibrant tomato salsa for a bright, balanced meal. This Southern-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs catfish fillets, smoked paprika, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 450 cal/serving

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Ingredients

4 (6 oz each) catfish fillets
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp, chopped cilantro
1/2, juiced lime
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1: Pat 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 3: Place seasoned catfish fillets in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and flaky.
Step 4: While catfish cooks, combine 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1/2 lime juiced in a small bowl.
Step 5: Remove catfish from skillet, let rest for 2 minutes, and serve immediately with tomato salsa spooned over the top.