As I opened my kitchen door, the aromas wafted through the air, transporting me straight to the heart of Louisiana with this delicious Cajun Baked Catfish. In under 35 minutes, I discovered a vibrant dish that merges the subtle richness of flaky catfish with the perfect kick of cayenne and the bright zing of lemon. Not only is this dish quick to prepare, but it also brings the comforting essence of Cajun cuisine to your table, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or an impressive weekend gathering. The best part? It’s gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a plate of this Southern delight. Don’t you just love a recipe that looks beautiful on the plate and feels like a warm hug from the inside out? Dive into this culinary journey with me! What makes this catfish recipe special? Quick and Easy: In just 35 minutes, this Cajun Baked Catfish brings the vibrant charm of Southern cooking to your table without the lengthy prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights! Flavor Explosion: With a mix of cayenne spice and fresh lemon juice, each bite delivers a zesty punch, tantalizing your taste buds. Versatile Pairing: This dish shines with a variety of sides—whether you opt for roasted veggies or traditional Cajun coleslaw, it effortlessly adapts to suit any meal. Gluten-Free Goodness: Not only is it delicious, but it’s also gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for those with gluten sensitivities. Crowd Pleaser: Impress your guests with a dish that looks as good as it tastes! Serve with Cheeseburger Twice Baked Potatoes for a satisfying feast that will have everyone raving. Cajun Baked Catfish Ingredients For the Catfish • Catfish Fillets – Fresh is best; about 1 pound works well and can be swapped with thawed frozen catfish. • Cold Butter – Keeps the fish moist while baking; substitute with plant butter or olive oil for a dairy-free option. For the Marinade • Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed adds acidity and brightness for the best flavor; avoid overly artificial bottled varieties. • Crystal Hot Sauce – Introduces the heat; adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. • Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper – Essential seasonings to taste; feel free to adjust for heat tolerance. For the Seasoning Blend • Paprika – Adds color and mild flavor to enhance the dish. • Dried Parsley Flakes – Provides a hint of earthiness while elevating the visual appeal. • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Contribute depth and umami to the seasoning blend—you can’t go wrong with these! For Garnish (Optional) • Lemon Zest – This optional ingredient enhances the lemon flavor without adding moisture, brightening each bite of your Cajun baked catfish. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cajun Baked Catfish Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the dish. Take out a 12-inch cast iron skillet and generously grease it with butter or cooking spray to ensure that the Cajun baked catfish doesn’t stick during baking. Step 2: Arrange the Catfish Place the fresh or thawed catfish fillets into the greased skillet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. This will help each fillet cook thoroughly and allows the heat to circulate, creating that flaky texture that makes this Cajun baked catfish irresistible. Step 3: Add Lemon Juice Pour half of the freshly squeezed lemon juice evenly over each catfish fillet. Use a spoon or a brush to spread the juice nicely across the fish, enhancing its flavor and ensuring everything is well-marinated while you prepare the other ingredients. Step 4: Drizzle with Hot Sauce Next, evenly drizzle the Crystal Hot Sauce over the catfish fillets, adjusting the amount to suit your spice preference. The vibrant heat from the hot sauce complements the lemon beautifully, setting the tone for a zesty Cajun baked catfish that packs some punch. Step 5: Season the Fillets Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper over each fillet, followed by half of the remaining spices from your seasoning blend. This step is key to achieving a well-rounded flavor that permeates the fish, giving you those rich, satisfying Cajun notes. Step 6: Dot with Butter Take small pieces of cold butter and dot them around the fillets within the skillet. These little pats of butter will melt as the catfish bakes, keeping the fillets moist and adding an extra layer of richness to the Cajun baked catfish. Step 7: Add Lemon Zest If you’re using lemon zest, sprinkle it generously over the fillets at this point. The zest intensifies the lemony flavor without adding moisture, ensuring that every bite of your Cajun baked catfish bursts with vibrant freshness. Step 8: Bake the Catfish Now, carefully place the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the fish; it’s done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), ensuring perfectly cooked Cajun baked catfish. Storage Tips for Cajun Baked Catfish Fridge: Store any leftover Cajun baked catfish in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: If you want to freeze the catfish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: To reheat, place the catfish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and flaky, preserving its delicious texture. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving Cajun baked catfish at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness. Always refrigerate promptly. What to Serve with Cajun Baked Catfish Delight your taste buds with complementary sides that elevate your meal to new heights of comfort and flavor. Creamy Coleslaw: This tangy, crunchy dish adds a fresh contrast to the spiciness of the catfish and provides a delightful texture. The coolness of coleslaw balances the heat while delivering a satisfying crunch. Garlic Butter Asparagus: Tender asparagus sautéed in garlic butter offers a vibrant green side that pairs beautifully with the baked catfish. Its slight crunch and rich flavor complement the flaky fish. Savory Hush Puppies: These golden-fried cornmeal balls bring a Southern flair to your table, with their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful center. They’re perfect for soaking up any leftover juices on your plate! Zesty Rice Pilaf: Light and fluffy rice infused with herbs and spices complements the bold flavors of the Cajun catfish. Adding fresh herbs elevates this side dish and binds the meal together harmoniously. Steamed Green Beans: Fresh green beans retain their crunch and bring a layer of brightness to the plate. Their mild flavor profiles balance the stronger flavors of the catfish perfectly. Lemon Sweet Tea: A refreshing sip is the perfect way to cool down any spice. Sweet tea infused with lemon adds a sweet and tangy note, harmonizing with the zest of the catfish. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, sweet corn makes for a classic accompaniment that enhances the meal’s Southern charm. Its sweetness pairs nicely, contrasting with the spices of the dish. Peach Cobbler: For dessert, this warm, sweet treat brings a comforting end to your meal. The juicy peaches and flaky crust provide a perfect sweet contrast to the zestiness of the fish. Make Ahead Options These Cajun Baked Catfish are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can marinate the catfish fillets in the lemon juice and hot sauce up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover and refrigerate for maximum flavor. The seasoning mix can also be combined ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring everything is ready to go. When you’re ready to bake, just proceed with dotting the butter and adding the lemon zest. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delightful taste, just with a fraction of the effort, making weeknight dinners more manageable! Expert Tips for Cajun Baked Catfish Fresh Fish Matters: Always opt for fresh catfish fillets if possible. Thawed frozen fish can also work, but drying them well before seasoning improves texture. Perfect Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled for the best flavor impact; it drastically enhances the overall taste of your Cajun baked catfish. Balance the Spice: Adjust the amount of Crystal Hot Sauce according to your heat preference. Start with a little and add more if you want extra kick—balanced heat is key! Don’t Overdo the Butter: Avoid adding too much butter; excess moisture can lead to slimy fillets. A few well-placed pats is all you need for rich flavor without the mess. Check for Flakiness: Keep an eye on the baking time; your catfish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This ensures juiciness! Cajun Baked Catfish Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with your Cajun Baked Catfish—there are so many delicious twists and options to explore! Dairy-Free: Swap cold butter for olive oil or plant-based butter to keep the dish creamy yet free of dairy. Fish Alternatives: Use tilapia, trout, or even catfish nuggets for a different texture and flavor profile. Spice It Up: Add cumin or a pre-made Cajun spice blend for an extra zesty kick that enhances that Southern flair. Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can be added post-baking for a burst of freshness and color. Citrus Variations: Try lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus spin that invigorates the flavor. Crunch Factor: Serve over a bed of crispy roasted potatoes or add crushed cornflakes on top of the fish for added texture. Cajun Classics: Pair with traditional sides like coleslaw or Baked Stuffed Shrimp for a complete Southern feast. Hearty Comfort: Add a thick layer of creamy cajun sauce on top, as seen in dishes like Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta, for a cozy meal everyone will love. Cajun Baked Catfish Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting catfish fillets? Absolutely! When choosing catfish fillets, look for fresh fillets that are firm to the touch and have a clean, mild smell. They should be bright white or light pink in color without any dark spots, which may indicate spoilage. If you can only find frozen catfish, ensure they are properly thawed before seasoning for the best results. How should I store leftovers from Cajun baked catfish? To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to reheat gently in the oven to maintain that flaky, moist texture. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the fish for about 10-15 minutes. Can I freeze Cajun baked catfish, and if so, how? Certainly! To freeze your Cajun baked catfish, first, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and helps maintain flavor. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above. What if I need to adjust the spice level in this recipe? Very! If you’re sensitive to heat, I recommend starting with a smaller amount of Crystal Hot Sauce and gradually adding more to taste after baking. You could also limit the cayenne pepper to just a pinch during seasoning. This way, you can always tweak it to your spice tolerance while still savoring the delicious Cajun flavors! Can I make this Cajun baked catfish recipe dairy-free? Absolutely! You can substitute the cold butter with plant-based butter or olive oil. Both alternatives keep the catfish moist while baking and give a rich flavor without the dairy. Just be sure to adhere to the same proportions for flavor balance! Is Cajun baked catfish safe for pets or individuals with allergies? While catfish itself is generally safe for pets in small amounts, avoid giving them any seasoned or spiced portion, as certain spices could be harmful to them. If you have allergies, keep in mind that this dish includes common allergens such as butter and seasonings. Always check the ingredients for potential allergens before serving! Cajun Baked Catfish: Easy, Flavor-Packed Comfort Dinner Cajun Baked Catfish is a quick, flavorful dish that brings the essence of Louisiana to your table in under 35 minutes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: SouthernCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Catfish1 pound Catfish Fillets Fresh is best; can be swapped with thawed frozen catfish.3 tablespoons Cold Butter Substitute with plant butter or olive oil for a dairy-free option.For the Marinade2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed adds acidity and brightness.1 tablespoon Crystal Hot Sauce Adjust quantity based on spice preference.Salt Essential seasoning to taste.Black Pepper Essential seasoning to taste.Cayenne Pepper Essential seasoning to taste.For the Seasoning Blend1 teaspoon Paprika Adds color and mild flavor.1 teaspoon Dried Parsley Flakes Provides a hint of earthiness.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Contributes depth and umami.1 teaspoon Onion Powder Contributes depth and umami.For Garnish (Optional)1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Enhances the lemon flavor without adding moisture. Equipment 12-inch cast iron skillet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Cajun Baked CatfishPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray.Arrange catfish fillets in the greased skillet, spaced evenly to allow heat circulation.Pour half of the lemon juice over each catfish fillet.Drizzle Crystal Hot Sauce evenly over the fillets, adjusting for spice preference.Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper over each fillet, then top with half of the remaining seasoning blend.Dot the fillets with small pieces of cold butter.If using, sprinkle lemon zest over the fillets.Bake for 15-20 minutes until the fish easily flakes with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Nutrition Serving: 1filletCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesCajun Baked Catfish is gluten-free and pairs well with a variety of sides. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
