Pan-Seared Catfish with Southern-Style Tomato Gravy

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

Golden pan-seared catfish fillets served with a rich southern tomato gravy spiced with paprika and garlic. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs about 6 oz each catfish fillets, all-purpose flour, paprika 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: 25 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Dredge 4 catfish fillets in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove fillets and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted, add 1 diced small yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
  5. Step 5: Simmer the tomato gravy for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Step 6: Return the catfish fillets to the skillet, spooning tomato gravy over them and heat through for 2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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-Style Tomato Gravy?

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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Southern-Style 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 Southern-Style 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 Southern-Style Tomato Gravy?

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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