Baked Catfish

Baked Catfish

4 servings
Baking your catfish makes this meal easy and mess-free. Breaded with cornmeal and seasoned with Cajun seasoning, you won't even miss the fried version.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil

    divided&nbsp

  • 1 c. cornmeal&nbsp
  • 1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning
  • 4 catfish fillets
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Lemon wedges

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425° and drizzle 2 tablespoons oil on a large baking sheet. On a large plate, combine cornmeal and Cajun seasoning. Season catfish with salt and pepper, then dredge fish in seasoned cornmeal, pressing to coat. 

  2. 2

    Place fish on prepared baking sheet and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Bake until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork, 15 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Baked Catfish

Baked Catfish

25 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving the comforting flavors of fried catfish without all the oil and cleanup? Our Baked Catfish recipe delivers a truly satisfying, mess-free meal that brings all the flavor you love to your dinner table in just 25 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

Baking your catfish is a game-changer, allowing the natural sweetness of the fish to shine while the simple cornmeal breading develops a perfectly crisp, golden crust. The generous kick of Cajun seasoning infuses every bite with a lively, authentic warmth, making you forget all about the deep fryer. This method ensures tender, flaky fish with a delightful crunch, making it an instant family favorite.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its elegant simplicity. You'll achieve a beautifully seasoned, crusty exterior and a moist, tender interior. Each forkful offers a savory, slightly spicy profile from the Cajun seasoning, perfectly balanced by a squeeze of fresh lemon. It's a remarkably easy way to enjoy fresh fish, proving that healthy cooking can be incredibly flavorful and convenient for any weeknight.

Customization is simple with this dish. While the Cajun seasoning provides a fantastic depth of flavor, feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice preference, or even experiment with a different herb blend if you desire a milder profile. You could also try varying your serving experience with a simple homemade tartare sauce or a fresh pico de gallo for added brightness. This flexibility ensures the dish always suits your palate.

This Baked Catfish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside your favorite green salad, some roasted vegetables, or a simple rice pilaf. Don't forget those bright lemon wedges for a final, zesty flourish that truly elevates the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions