This Baked Catfish Fillet recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a tender, flaky fish dish that is both nutritious and flavorful. With a light, crispy coating and a burst of zesty seasonings, this dish perfectly showcases the subtle sweetness of catfish while being simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also delivers satisfying flavors that will impress your family and friends alike.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this baked catfish fillet recipe because it combines ease of cooking with incredible flavor. The catfish is coated in a mixture of cornmeal and spices, lending it a delightful crunch while baking to perfection. It’s a fantastic option for health-conscious eaters as it’s lower in fat compared to frying, and it fits beautifully into gluten-free, low-carb, or Southern-inspired diets. Plus, the recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Catfish: Opt for fresh, high-quality catfish fillets for the best flavor and texture. If you can find them, wild-caught is preferable.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For added depth, marinate your catfish fillets in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite spices for 15-30 minutes before coating.
- Crispiness Hacks: If you desire an extra crunchy texture, consider adding panko breadcrumbs to the cornmeal mixture.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Because fish can dry out quickly, keep a close eye on the fillets as they bake. They should be flaky and opaque when done.
Make Ahead Tips
If you’re looking to save time, you can prepare the spice mixture and cornmeal coating ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week. The catfish fillets can also be marinated in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 hours before baking. This way, when you’re ready to cook, all you need to do is coat the fish and pop it in the oven.
Recipe Variations
- Herb-Infused: Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the cornmeal mixture for a fresh twist.
- Spicy: For a kick, incorporate cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce into the coating.
- Different Fish: If catfish isn’t available, this recipe works beautifully with other mild fish like tilapia or cod.
How to Serve
Serve your baked catfish fillets on a platter with wedges of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. Accompany the dish with sides such as coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or steamed rice. For an elegant touch, drizzle a homemade tartar sauce or remoulade over the top before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your catfish with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light lager for a refreshing complement. As for side dishes, consider serving it alongside cornbread, a crisp garden salad, or seasoned potatoes. For dessert, a light fruit sorbet or a slice of key lime pie would be a delightful finish.
How to Store
Store any leftover baked catfish fillets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil; they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional for easy cleanup)
- Shallow dish for coating the fish
- Mixing bowl for the seasoning mix
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the pan
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free cornmeal and ensure that any additional seasonings are also gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, avoid any butter or cream in side dishes, or use plant-based alternatives. If you need a nut-free version, ensure that any condiments or sides do not contain nuts.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, fresh herbs like basil or chives can be added to the coating for a bright, seasonal flavor. In the winter, consider serving the dish with roasted root vegetables or a hearty grain salad, utilizing seasonal produce for the best taste.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen catfish fillets? Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before preparing.
- How long should I bake the fish? Generally, 15-20 minutes is sufficient, but it’s best to check for doneness after 15 minutes.
- Can I substitute the cornmeal? Yes, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute, but the texture will differ.
How To Make baked catfish fillet recipe
Baked Catfish Fillet
This Baked Catfish Fillet recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a tender, flaky fish dish that is both nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk (or milk substitute)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the milk until combined.
- Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Dip each fillet first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Place the coated fillets onto the prepared baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with a small amount of oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides and garnishes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 437Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 142mgSodium 472mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 3gSugar 1gProtein 33g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This baked catfish fillet recipe is not only an easy and delicious option for any meal but also a fantastic way to introduce more seafood into your diet. With its simple preparation and delightful flavors, it promises to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s sure to impress!
