Pan-Seared Catfish with Texas-Style Spicy Corn Salsa

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-17 · Updated 2026-06-17

A hearty pan-seared catfish fillet paired with a vibrant, spicy corn salsa inspired by the bold flavors of the Texas region. This American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs catfish fillets, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels
• 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño pepper
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp for salsa salt

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned catfish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and opaque in the center. Remove and keep warm.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded), 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro.
4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt to the corn mixture. Stir gently to combine and let sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Step 5: Serve the pan-seared catfish topped generously with the spicy corn salsa, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.