Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Okra

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Southern-inspired sheet pan dinner featuring tender catfish fillets dusted with bold Cajun spices alongside roasted okra for a smoky, vibrant meal. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 28 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, trimmed and halved lengthwise okra, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 18 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, toss 12 oz trimmed okra with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; spread evenly on the sheet pan.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp lemon juice over 4 catfish fillets, then rub the spice mix evenly over both sides.
  3. Step 3: Nestle the catfish fillets among the okra on the sheet pan. Roast in the oven for 15-18 minutes until the catfish flakes easily with a fork and the okra edges are browned and crisp.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Okra take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 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 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 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 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 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.

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