Pan-Seared Catfish with Spiced Cornmeal Crust

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

A Southern-inspired catfish dish featuring a crunchy cornmeal crust with a hint of paprika and cayenne for subtle heat. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 27 minutes pairs (6 oz each) catfish fillets, yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour 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: 12 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Pour 1 cup buttermilk into another shallow dish. Dip each of the 4 catfish fillets into the buttermilk, coating completely, then dredge thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Carefully lay the coated catfish fillets in the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove the catfish from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Spiced Cornmeal Crust take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Cornmeal Crust?

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 Spiced Cornmeal Crust?

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 Cornmeal Crust 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 Cornmeal Crust?

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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