Cajun Baked Catfish: A Southern Classic with Bold Flavor Recipe

Cajun baked catfish is a flavorful Southern classic that combines bold spices with tender, flaky fish. This easy-to-make dish brings a perfect balance of heat and zest, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Ingredients

• 4 fresh catfish fillets
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle them evenly with lemon juice and hot sauce, if using.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and dried oregano to create the Cajun seasoning blend.
4. Step 4: Generously sprinkle the seasoning blend over both sides of each fillet.
5. Step 5: Place the seasoned fillets on the prepared baking dish. Drizzle melted butter and olive oil over the top to keep the fish moist and promote crispiness.
6. Step 6: Bake the catfish for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the flesh is flaky and an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is reached.
7. Step 7: For a crispy finish, broil the fillets on high for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce amounts according to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dish.
• Try swapping catfish for other firm white fish like tilapia or cod if preferred.
• Adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before baking enhances the smoky flavor.
• Serve with a side of rice, greens, or cornbread for a complete Southern-style meal.

Storage

Store any leftover baked catfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, to help retain crispness without drying out the fish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen catfish for this recipe?

Yes, frozen catfish works well. Be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking to avoid excess moisture.

What if I don’t have all the Cajun seasoning spices?

You can use a pre-made Cajun seasoning blend from the store as a shortcut, or simply use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a similar flavor.

Cajun Baked Catfish: A Southern Classic with Bold Flavor Recipe

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4.6 from 71 reviews

This Cajun Baked Catfish recipe brings a delightful Southern twist to tender catfish fillets with a bold, smoky, and spicy seasoning blend. Baked to perfection, it offers a healthy and flavorful meal option enhanced by a crispy finish when broiled and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Catfish

• 4 fresh catfish fillets
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cajun Seasoning Blend

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Catfish – Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle with lemon juice and hot sauce, evenly coating each fillet to add tanginess and a spicy kick.
3. Season the Fish – In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, thyme, and oregano to create the Cajun seasoning blend. Generously sprinkle this mixture on both sides of the fillets for an authentic Southern flavor.
4. Add Butter and Olive Oil – Place the seasoned fillets in the prepared baking dish and drizzle melted butter and olive oil over them. This adds moisture and helps achieve a crispy texture during baking.
5. Bake the Catfish – Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), indicating it’s fully cooked.
6. Broil for Crispiness (Optional) – For a golden and crispy exterior, switch the oven to broil on high and broil the fillets for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
7. Serve & Garnish – Remove the catfish from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness and flavor.

Notes

• You can adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce levels based on your heat preference.
• Ensure the catfish fillets are fresh for the best taste and texture.
• Using parchment paper helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
• Omitting the broiling step will still produce a deliciously tender baked catfish.

Keywords: Cajun, Catfish, Baked Catfish, Southern Cuisine, Spicy Fish, Healthy Fish Recipe