Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Corn and Okra
A one-pan Southern-inspired seafood dish featuring cajun-seasoned catfish fillets roasted alongside sweet corn and tender okra for a smoky, flavorful meal. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, olive oil, cajun seasoning 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 cup (from 2 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces okra
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 1 cup fresh corn kernels and 1 cup sliced okra with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Spread the corn and okra mixture evenly on a rimmed sheet pan and roast for 10 minutes until starting to caramelize.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, pat dry 4 catfish fillets and rub them with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt.
- Step 4: Remove the sheet pan from the oven, push the roasted vegetables to the sides, and place the seasoned catfish fillets in the center.
- Step 5: Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast for an additional 12-15 minutes, until the catfish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 6: Remove from oven, drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the catfish and vegetables, and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Corn and Okra take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Corn and Okra?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Corn and Okra?
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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Corn and Okra 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Corn and Okra?
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.