Pan-Seared Catfish with Spiced Grits and Tomato Relish

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-02 · Updated 2026-06-02

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 recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs 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.

Ingredients

• 4 (6 oz each) catfish fillets
• 1 cup yellow corn grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp divided salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

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.