Pan-Seared Catfish with Southern Corn Relish

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

This dish features tender pan-seared catfish fillets topped with a sweet and tangy Southern-style corn relish, perfect for a comforting regional meal. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) catfish fillets, fresh or frozen corn kernels, medium, finely diced red bell pepper 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Add the catfish fillets and sear for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a warm plate.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup corn kernels, 1 finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the corn relish generously over the catfish fillets and serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Southern Corn Relish take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Southern Corn Relish?

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 (6 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Southern Corn Relish?

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 Southern Corn Relish 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 Southern Corn Relish?

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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