Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Kansas City BBQ Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick pan-seared catfish dish finished with a tangy and spicy Kansas City-style barbecue sauce that balances sweet and heat. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 catfish fillets evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Dredge each fillet in 1/2 cup cornmeal until fully coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 145°F.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp hot sauce, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the onion softens.
  4. Step 4: Serve the catfish fillets drizzled with the spicy Kansas City BBQ sauce for a perfect balance of crispy texture and tangy heat.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Kansas City BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Kansas City BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Kansas City BBQ Sauce?

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 Kansas City BBQ Sauce 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 Kansas City BBQ Sauce?

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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