Sautéed Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creamy Collard Greens

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

A soulful Southern-inspired dish featuring tender catfish fillets seasoned with Cajun spices, paired with slow-cooked collard greens in a rich, creamy sauce. This caribbean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 35 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and evenly coat both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add catfish fillets and sauté for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp butter, 1 diced onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb chopped collard greens, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Pour 1 cup chicken broth over the greens, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Cook uncovered for 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the collard greens.
  7. Step 7: Serve the Cajun-spiced catfish fillets over a bed of creamy collard greens for a comforting Southern meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creamy Collard Greens 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 Sautéed Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creamy Collard Greens?

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 cajun seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creamy Collard Greens?

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 Sautéed Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creamy Collard Greens 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.

Is Sautéed Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creamy Collard Greens gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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