Sautéed Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Smoky Tomato Relish

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

A vibrant, soulful dish featuring tender catfish fillets pan-seared with bold Cajun spices, served alongside a smoky tomato and bell pepper relish. This american-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs about 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 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: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets and sauté for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden crust forms and fish flakes easily; remove and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil then sauté 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves over medium heat for 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 diced roma tomatoes and 1 diced red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp brown sugar, simmer for 2 minutes until the relish thickens slightly; season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the smoky tomato relish over the cooked catfish fillets and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Smoky Tomato Relish take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Smoky Tomato 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 cajun seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Smoky Tomato 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 Sautéed Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Smoky Tomato 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.

Is Sautéed Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Smoky Tomato Relish 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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