Zippy Broiled Whole Catfish
Zippy Broiled Whole Catfish offers a flavorful, crispy exterior with tender, flaky fish inside. The bright lemon and Italian salad dressing provide a zesty, tangy taste that complements the delicate fish, making it perfect for casual dinners or seafood lovers seeking a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean, wash, and dry the fish. Brush inside with lemon juice; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roll the fish in flour and shake off excess.
- Place the fish on a well-greased broiler pan.
- Brush the fish with Italian salad dressing.
- Broil about 4 inches from the heat source for 4 to 6 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Carefully turn the fish and brush with salad dressing.
- Broil for an additional 4 to 6 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the catfish in lemon juice and Italian dressing for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have Italian dressing, a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs can work well. Make sure to keep the broiler at an appropriate distance to avoid burning. For a crispy exterior, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the broiled catfish with a side of garlic sautéed greens or a fresh garden salad for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For a more filling option, consider serving it alongside rice or quinoa. This dish complements various American recipes for a complete seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover broiled catfish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fish rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zippy Broiled Whole Catfish contains roughly 296 calories, with 21g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (170% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), and potassium (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 543mg per serving (24% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen catfish, but make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps the fish absorb the flavors of the marinade better.
What can I substitute for Italian dressing?
If you don’t have Italian dressing on hand, you can make a simple alternative using olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and a mix of dried herbs like oregano and basil. This will still provide great flavor to the dish.
How do I know when the fish is done cooking?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque appearance. Broil for a total of 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of the catfish, and keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
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).