Pan-Seared Catfish with Spiced Cajun Butter Sauce

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

A flavorful pan-seared catfish fillet topped with a rich, spiced Cajun butter sauce that brings a southern flair to your dinner table. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 22 minutes, pairs catfish fillets, olive oil, unsalted butter 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: 12 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 3 minutes until cooked through and opaque; transfer to a warm plate.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir frequently for 2 minutes until the butter is melted and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, then spoon the spiced butter sauce over the catfish fillets before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Spiced Cajun Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Spiced Cajun Butter Sauce?

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 Spiced Cajun Butter Sauce?

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 Spiced Cajun Butter Sauce 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 Spiced Cajun Butter Sauce?

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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