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Cajun Baked Catfish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 67 reviews

This Cajun Baked Catfish recipe offers a flavorful and spicy Southern-style fish dish that’s easy to prepare in a cast iron skillet. Seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, lemon juice, and hot sauce, then baked until tender and flaky, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a delicious kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Marinade

  • 2 large raw catfish fillets, about 1 pound
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Crystal hot sauce

Spices and Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Cayenne pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Other

  • 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
  • Oil for greasing the skillet

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the catfish.
  2. Grease the Skillet: Liberally grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
  3. Prepare the Catfish: Place the catfish fillets evenly in the skillet.
  4. Apply Lemon Juice: Pour half of the lemon juice onto one fillet, then repeat for the other. Use a brush or the back of a spoon to evenly coat the top surfaces with the juice.
  5. Apply Hot Sauce: Repeat the same method with the Crystal hot sauce, spreading it over the fillets.
  6. Season the Fillets: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste over both fillets to create a balanced spicy flavor.
  7. Add Cajun Spices: Evenly sprinkle half of the dried seasonings—paprika, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder—over each fillet.
  8. Add Butter Pieces: Arrange the cold butter pieces around the catfish fillets in the skillet to add richness and help with moisture.
  9. Add Optional Lemon Zest: If desired, sprinkle the lemon zest over the top of the seasoned fillets for a fresh, citrusy aroma.
  10. Bake the Catfish: Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit measured with a digital meat thermometer.

Notes

  • Using a cast iron skillet helps evenly distribute heat, enhancing the baking process and flavor development.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spiciness to your preference.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Ensure the catfish fillets are of similar thickness for even cooking.
  • If lemon zest is not available, fresh lemon slices can be placed on top before baking for added citrus flavor.

Keywords: Cajun catfish, baked catfish, spicy fish recipe, Southern catfish, healthy baked fish, cajun seasoning, easy fish dinner

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/cajun-baked-catfish-recipe/