Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Lexington-Style Hot Sauce

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

Golden pan-seared catfish fillets topped with a vibrant, spicy hot sauce inspired by Southern Kentucky flavors. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes blends about 6 oz each catfish fillets, cornmeal, smoked paprika 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: 12 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and dredge each evenly in the cornmeal mixture.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: While fish cooks, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1/4 cup hot sauce and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice until smooth and warmed through.
  4. Step 4: Plate the catfish and spoon the spicy hot sauce over the fillets. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal note.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Lexington-Style Hot Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Lexington-Style Hot 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 Lexington-Style Hot 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 Lexington-Style Hot 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 Lexington-Style Hot 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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