Cajun Baked Catfish: A Southern Classic with Bold Flavor Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
