Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creole Tomato Sauce

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

This dish features tender catfish fillets pan-seared with bold Cajun spices and served with a vibrant Creole tomato sauce rich in peppers and herbs. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes blends (6 oz each) catfish fillets, Cajun seasoning, olive oil 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and rub evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned catfish fillets and sear for 4 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms and fish flakes easily. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 2 diced celery stalks over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Stir in 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Simmer sauce for 8-10 minutes until thickened and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Spoon the Creole tomato sauce over the seared catfish fillets and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creole Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creole Tomato 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 Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creole Tomato 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 Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creole Tomato 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 Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Creole Tomato Sauce?

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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