Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

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

Pan-seared catfish fillets coated with bold Cajun spices paired with oven-roasted sweet potato wedges for a flavorful Southern-inspired dinner. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs (5 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 400 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 medium sweet potatoes cut into wedges with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden, flipping halfway through.
  2. Step 2: While the sweet potatoes roast, pat dry 4 catfish fillets and evenly coat both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned catfish fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a dark golden crust forms and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove catfish from the pan and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately alongside the roasted sweet potato wedges with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges?

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 (5 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges?

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 Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges 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 Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges?

Southern 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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