Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Indiana Corn Relish

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicately pan-seared catfish fillets served with a vibrant, spicy corn relish inspired by Indiana’s regional flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, kosher salt, black pepper 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: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the catfish fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and opaque.
  3. Step 3: While the fish cooks, combine 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1 small minced jalapeño, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl. Toss gently to mix well.
  4. Step 4: Remove the catfish from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve topped with the spicy corn relish for a fresh, vibrant contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Indiana Corn Relish take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Indiana Corn 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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Indiana Corn 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 Spicy Indiana Corn 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 Spicy Indiana Corn Relish?

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.

Related recipes