Broiled Catfish is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of the South right to your dinner table. With its flaky, tender meat and a crispy, golden-brown exterior, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the catfish, enhanced by a blend of savory spices and herbs. The simplicity of broiling not only allows for a quick cooking process but also gives you a dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this broiled catfish recipe will surely impress your family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will fall in love with this broiled catfish recipe for several reasons. Firstly, the flavor profile is outstanding; the combination of spices creates a mouthwatering crust that perfectly complements the mild taste of catfish. Secondly, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. Additionally, broiled catfish fits perfectly into a low-carb or gluten-free diet, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without the guilt, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal that nourishes your body and soul.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the right catfish: Look for fresh, firm fillets with a mild scent. Frozen catfish can also work well if fresh isn’t available.
- Marinate for flavor: Letting the catfish sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor and moisture.
- Use foil or a broiler pan: Lining your broiler pan with foil makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time: Broiling can cook food quickly, so check the fish frequently to avoid overcooking.
Make Ahead Tips
For those who like to prepare in advance, you can marinate the catfish up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to broil. Additionally, you can pre-mix the spices for the marinade and store them in an airtight container, making it quicker to whip up the dish on a busy night.
Recipe Variations
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices in the marinade, such as Cajun seasoning or lemon pepper.
- Fish swap: If catfish isn’t your favorite, this recipe works beautifully with other types of fish like tilapia or salmon.
- Add a crust: For extra crunch, consider topping the fish with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before broiling.
How to Serve
Serve your broiled catfish hot out of the oven, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing salad to balance out the richness of the fish. For an authentic Southern twist, consider serving it with coleslaw or cornbread.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the fish wonderfully. If you prefer cocktails, a light gin and tonic or a classic mojito can elevate the meal. As for sides, consider fluffy rice, roasted asparagus, or even a classic potato salad. For dessert, a slice of key lime pie or fresh fruit sorbet would make a perfect concluding touch.
How to Store
Leftover broiled catfish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When reheating, do so gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture.
Equipment Needed
- Broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl for the marinade
- Tongs or a spatula for flipping the fish
- Meat thermometer (optional, but useful to check doneness)
Dietary Adaptations
For a dairy-free version, simply omit any butter in the marinade and use olive oil instead. If you need the recipe to be gluten-free, ensure that any sauces or additional seasonings you use are certified gluten-free. To make it vegan, substitute the catfish with a thick slice of eggplant or tofu, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, consider topping your broiled catfish with a fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, corn, and cilantro for a vibrant touch. In the winter, a warm lemon butter sauce with garlic can add a comforting element to the dish.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen catfish for this recipe? Yes, frozen catfish works well. Just be sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
How long should I broil catfish? Broil catfish for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
What can I substitute for the marinade? If you don’t have all the ingredients for the marinade, you can use a premade fish seasoning or a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
How To Make broiled catfish recipe
Broiled Catfish
Broiled Catfish is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of the South right to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your broiler to high and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Place the catfish fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil and place the marinated catfish fillets on the pan.
- Broil the catfish for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets and broil for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 334Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 94mgSodium 703mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 27g
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
In conclusion, this broiled catfish recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that anyone can master in their own kitchen. With its ease of preparation and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that can easily become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet night at home, broiled catfish is sure to be a hit at any table. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious recipe as much as I do!
