Zesty Baked Catfish
Zesty baked catfish features tender fillets coated with a flavorful bread crumb mixture, seasoned with tarragon and lemon pepper, baked to perfection for a light, tasty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine bread crumbs, tarragon, and lemon and pepper seasoning in a bowl.
- Stir well to mix evenly.
- Brush each fillet with French dressing.
- Roll the fillets in the bread crumb mixture until well coated.
- Arrange the coated fillets on a rack of a broiler pan coated with cooking spray.
- Bake uncovered at 450°F for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the fillets evenly with cheese.
- Bake an additional 2 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute fine dry bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or cornmeal. If you prefer a bit more zing, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture. Make sure not to overcrowd the fillets on the broiler pan to ensure even cooking and crispiness, similar to techniques used in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the zesty baked catfish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with a tangy tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside fluffy rice or quinoa, which complements the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked catfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through, maintaining their crispy coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Baked Catfish contains roughly 62 calories, with 5g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% 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 cooking to ensure even baking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before applying the dressing and bread crumb coating.
What can I substitute for French dressing?
If you don't have French dressing on hand, a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of honey or mustard can work as a great alternative. This will give you a similar tangy flavor while keeping the dish zesty.
How do I know when the catfish is done cooking?
The catfish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking, which can make the fish dry.
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).