Spicy Cajun Pan-Seared Catfish with Regional Remoulade

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold pan-seared catfish seasoned with a spicy Cajun blend paired with a tangy, creamy remoulade sauce inspired by Louisiana regional flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 20 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 350 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: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets and season both sides evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets and sear for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: While the fish cooks, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp chopped capers, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Plate the catfish and spoon the remoulade sauce over or alongside, garnishing with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a bright, regional touch.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Spicy Cajun Pan-Seared Catfish with Regional 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 olive oil from drying out.

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

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.

Related recipes