Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Boudin Mashed Potatoes
Tender pan-seared catfish fillets served atop creamy mashed potatoes infused with spicy Cajun boudin sausage. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs (6 oz each) catfish fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 pieces (6 oz each) catfish fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 8 oz boudin sausage, casing removed and crumbled
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 lbs peeled and cubed russet potatoes into a large pot with cold water covering them by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.
- Step 2: While potatoes cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz crumbled boudin sausage and sauté for 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Step 3: Mash the drained potatoes with 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and the cooked boudin sausage. Stir in 2 tbsp sliced green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Step 4: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika.
- Step 5: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add catfish fillets and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).
- Step 6: Plate each catfish fillet over a generous scoop of spicy boudin mashed potatoes. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Boudin Mashed Potatoes take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Spicy Boudin Mashed Potatoes?
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 Spicy Boudin Mashed Potatoes?
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 Spicy Boudin Mashed Potatoes 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 Spicy Boudin Mashed Potatoes?
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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