Step 1: Preparing the Catfish
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the Catfish Dry: Use paper towels to pat the catfish fillets dry. Drying the fillets ensures they absorb the seasoning well and bake up crisp.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the seasoning stick and gives the catfish a delicious crust.
Step 2: Making the Cajun Spice Blend
- Combine the Spices: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Season the Catfish: Generously coat both sides of each catfish fillet with the Cajun spice blend, pressing the seasoning onto the fish for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Baking the Catfish
- Arrange the Fillets: Place the seasoned catfish fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake: Bake the catfish in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and has a golden-brown crust. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the catfish from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon slices, if desired.
5. Serving Suggestions
- With Sides: Serve the Cajun catfish with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Over Rice: Pair the fish with steamed white rice or Cajun-style dirty rice for a complete meal.
- With Vegetables: Balance out the spiciness by serving the fish with sautéed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh garden salad.
6. Tips for Perfect Catfish
- Use Fresh Fillets: Fresh or freshly thawed fillets yield the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice blend. For more spice, add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
- Don’t Overcook: Catfish cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid drying it out. It’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
7. Variations and Customizations
- Blackened Catfish: For a traditional blackened catfish, cook the fillets in a hot cast-iron skillet with butter instead of baking them.
- Herbed Catfish: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill to the spice blend for an herbaceous twist.
- Breaded Catfish: Coat the seasoned fillets in cornmeal or breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy exterior.
8. FAQs and Storage Tips
- How Do I Store Leftovers? Store any leftover catfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I Freeze It? Yes, you can freeze baked catfish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- How Do I Reheat It? Reheat leftover catfish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
9. Conclusion: A Spicy and Satisfying Meal
This Baked Cajun Catfish is a simple, flavorful dish that brings Southern comfort to your dinner table. With its bold seasoning, tender fish, and easy preparation, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Enjoy the delicious flavors of the South with this easy recipe, and don’t forget to serve it up with your favorite sides for a truly satisfying meal!