Smoky Platte River Catfish with Cajun Corn Relish
Pan-seared catfish seasoned with smoky spices, paired with a vibrant corn and bell pepper relish inspired by Nebraska’s Platte River fishing culture. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets, about 6 oz each catfish fillets
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup (about 2 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over 4 catfish fillets.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the catfish fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: While the fish cooks, combine 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro in a bowl. Stir well and season with salt to taste.
- Step 4: Plate the cooked catfish fillets and spoon the Cajun corn relish on top or alongside as a fresh, zesty accompaniment.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Platte River Catfish with Cajun Corn Relish take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Smoky Platte River Catfish with Cajun Corn Relish?
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 smoked paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Platte River Catfish with Cajun Corn Relish?
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 Smoky Platte River Catfish with Cajun Corn Relish 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 Smoky Platte River Catfish with Cajun Corn Relish?
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.
