Pan-Seared Catfish with Spiced Grits and Tomato Relish

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

Golden pan-seared catfish fillets served atop creamy spiced grits, accompanied by a fresh tomato and onion relish for bright contrast. This southern united states-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs (6 oz each) catfish fillets, yellow corn grits, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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: 30 min Serves 4 Southern United States cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water and 1 cup milk to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup yellow corn grits, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally until thick and creamy.
  2. Step 2: Stir 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper into the cooked grits. Keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil. Stir and set aside to marinate.
  4. Step 4: Pat 4 catfish fillets dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  5. Step 5: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add catfish fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, edges crisp.
  6. Step 6: To serve, spoon creamy spiced grits onto plates, top with a catfish fillet, and add a generous spoonful of the tomato and onion relish for a fresh finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Spiced Grits and Tomato Relish take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Grits and Tomato 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 Spiced Grits and Tomato 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 Spiced Grits and Tomato 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 Spiced Grits and Tomato Relish?

Southern United States 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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