Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Corn and Black Beans
Oven-roasted catfish fillets seasoned with bold Cajun spices served with a smoky blend of roasted sweet corn and black beans for a vibrant Southern-inspired meal. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, divided 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, divided olive oil
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 2 cups (fresh or frozen) sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup, drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan with foil and lightly brush 1 tbsp olive oil over the surface.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, toss 4 catfish fillets with 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well coated. Arrange fillets on one side of the sheet pan.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups sweet corn kernels, 1 cup drained black beans, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Spread the vegetable mixture on the other side of the sheet pan.
- Step 4: Roast everything in the oven for 15-18 minutes until the catfish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and vegetables are slightly charred.
- Step 5: Remove sheet pan from oven and drizzle 2 tbsp lime juice over the roasted corn and beans mixture. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro on top.
- Step 6: Serve the Cajun-spiced catfish fillets alongside the roasted sweet corn and black beans for a flavorful, balanced meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Corn and Black Beans take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Sweet Corn and Black Beans?
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 divided olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Sweet Corn and Black Beans?
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 Sweet Corn and Black Beans 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 Sweet Corn and Black Beans?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved how easy this sheet pan meal was to make. The cajun spices really elevated the catfish without overpowering it.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit with my family! The catfish was perfectly spiced and the corn and beans added a great texture.
- ★★★★☆
A little bland for my family's taste, but the corn and beans were a nice touch. Maybe add a squeeze of lemon at the end.
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