Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Pickled Okra

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-16 · Updated 2026-06-16

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

Pan-seared catfish fillets seasoned with bold Cajun spices paired with tangy homemade pickled okra for a Southern regional delight. This Southern-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs 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: 10 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving

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Ingredients

4 fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
3 tbsp olive oil
12 fresh okra pods
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
3 cloves, sliced garlic cloves
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp dried red chili flakes
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar

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Instructions

Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 3 sliced garlic cloves, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp dried red chili flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Slice 12 fresh okra pods lengthwise into halves and pack them tightly into a clean jar. Pour the hot vinegar brine over the okra, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Step 3: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and evenly coat both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned catfish fillets and sear for 4 minutes per side until the edges are golden and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Serve the seared catfish with a generous spoonful of the tangy pickled okra alongside for a balanced and flavorful meal.