Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad
A bold sear on catfish fillets coated with Cajun spices paired with a vibrant roasted corn and black bean salad to balance smoky and fresh flavors. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe (gluten free), ready in about 35 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
The sheet pan we’d roast this on → Best Sheet Pans in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 1 cup fresh corn kernels with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes until slightly charred and fragrant.
- Step 2: While the corn roasts, pat dry 4 catfish fillets and evenly coat both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add catfish fillets and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until the edges are crispy and fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted corn, 1 cup drained black beans, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and toss gently.
- Step 5: Serve the seared catfish atop a bed of the roasted corn and black bean salad while warm.









