New Orleans Catfish
A flavorful New Orleans-style catfish dish with rice, lemon, and aromatic spices, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a comforting, mildly spiced meal with bright citrus accents.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the catfish into serving size portions and place in a well-greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked rice, grated onion, and curry powder; spread this mixture over the fish.
- Top with lemon slices and dot with butter or margarine.
- Cover the dish and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the cover during the last few minutes of baking to allow for slight browning.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the catfish fillets in lemon juice and spices for 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have curry powder, a mix of turmeric and cumin can provide a similar taste. You can also substitute the catfish with other mild fish like tilapia or cod. To enhance the dish, try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the New Orleans Catfish over a bed of the remaining cooked rice for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. For a more festive touch, consider serving alongside 'Party Shrimp' for a seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the catfish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the fish tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Catfish contains roughly 696 calories, with 17g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1841mg per serving (80% 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 be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and baking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture.
What can I substitute for rice in this dish?
If you're looking for a substitute for rice, consider using quinoa or couscous for a different texture and flavor. Both options will complement the spices well and can be prepared similarly to rice.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the New Orleans Catfish, you can mix in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the rice mixture. Additionally, serving with a spicy hot sauce on the side allows everyone to adjust the spice level to their liking.
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).