Cajun Baked Catfish
Cajun Baked Catfish offers crispy, flavorful coating with bold Cajun spices, baked to perfection. Ideal for seafood lovers seeking a spicy, flaky fish dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dredge catfish fillets in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Place fillets, skin sides down, on a greased baking pan.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and lemon pepper over the fillets.
- Drizzle melted butter over the seasoned fillets.
- Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes or until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornmeal mixture. If you don't have cornmeal, you could substitute with breadcrumbs for a different texture. Additionally, ensure your catfish fillets are patted dry before dredging to help the coating stick better.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cajun baked catfish with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad to balance the spices. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Butter Rice for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a side of cornbread, which complements this dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked catfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fillets on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it may make the fish rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Baked Catfish contains roughly 63 calories, with 4g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1919mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen catfish fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen catfish fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely before dredging and baking. This ensures even cooking and allows the coating to adhere properly.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. This will still provide richness while making the dish lighter.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Cajun baked catfish is great for meal prep. You can bake a larger batch and store individual portions in the fridge, making it easy to pair with different sides throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).