Baked Catfish
on Aug 08, 2022, Updated Oct 22, 2023
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This Baked Catfish features a tasty seasoning blend that perfectly complements the mild and slightly sweet flavor of the fish.
A delicious lemon garlic butter sauce makes this Baked Catfish extra special! Serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious weeknight meal.
What Is Catfish?
Catfish is a type of fish that can be found in the waters of every continent except Antarctica and they are plentiful in the southern US, South America, Asia, and Africa. They are a mild, white fish with a flavor that’s similar to flounder, haddock, sole, and tilapia. Many varieties of catfish have long barbels or feelers around their mouths that resemble the whiskers of cats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- catfish filets
- fresh parsley
- salt and pepper
- dried oregano
- paprika
- dried basil
- dried thyme
- juice of one lemon
- garlic powder
- butter
- non-stick cooking spray
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Bake Catfish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine the parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, basil, and thyme in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture on both sides of the filets and then place the fish on the prepared baking pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, garlic powder, and melted butter to make the lemon garlic butter sauce. Drizzle this over the filets.
- Bake the filets uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the fish is done.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
How Long Does It Take To Bake Catfish?
This recipe for Baked Catfish takes about 20 minutes in a 350°F oven. The catfish is sprinkled with a blend of seasonings and drizzled with a lemon garlic butter sauce.
How Do I Know When The Catfish Is Done?
Catfish is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The best way to check for doneness is to insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. You can also insert a fork into the flesh of the fish and gently twist. If the flesh flakes easily and is opaque, the fish is done. If the flesh is translucent and doesn’t easily flake, the fish needs more time to cook.
How Should I Serve Baked Catfish?
This Baked Catfish can be served in many ways. It’s delicious served alongside rice, roasted potatoes, or pasta. Try it with a garden salad in the summer or with a variety of grilled veggies. It’s a versatile fish that pairs well with just about anything!
Variations
- Make it kid-friendly by cutting the catfish into 3-inch fish sticks.
- Add 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the spice mixture for a tasty Cajun version.
Can I Use Frozen Catfish Filets?
If you’re using frozen catfish filets, they’ll have to be fully thawed. This will ensure that the spice blend sticks to the flesh of the fish.
Can I Cook The Catfish In An Air Fryer?
Yes. Using an air fryer will produce a crispier crust. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook the catfish for 10 minutes. Flip to the other side and continue to cook for 10-12 minutes until done.
Baked Catfish Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces catfish filets
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- juice of one lemon
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine the parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, basil, and thyme in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture on both sides of the filets and then place the fish on the prepared baking pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, garlic powder, and melted butter to make the lemon garlic butter sauce. Drizzle this over the filets.
- Bake the filets uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the fish is done.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
