Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Spicy Remoulade

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

A Southern-inspired dish featuring crispy seared catfish fillets coated in a bold Cajun spice blend, served with a zesty remoulade sauce that adds a creamy, spicy kick. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (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 380 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 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and evenly rub 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning all over each fillet. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the catfish fillets and sear for 4 minutes on each side until the exterior is crisp and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp Creole mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp chopped capers, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 minced garlic clove. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Season the remoulade with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve the seared catfish fillets hot with a generous dollop of the spicy remoulade sauce on top or on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Spicy Remoulade take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Spicy Remoulade?

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 (6 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Spicy Remoulade?

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 Spicy Remoulade 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 Spicy Remoulade?

Southern 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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