Description

This Baked Catfish with Herbs recipe offers a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy tender catfish fillets seasoned with a fragrant blend of fresh and dried herbs, paprika, and lemon-garlic butter. Perfectly baked to a flaky finish, this dish is simple to prepare and ideal for a nutritious weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Herb and Spice Mix

2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Main Ingredients

24 ounces catfish fillets (4 fillets, approx. 6 ounces each)
Non-stick cooking spray

Butter-Lemon-Garlic Sauce

2 tablespoons melted butter
Juice of one lemon
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the catfish evenly.
Mix Herbs and Spices: In a small bowl, combine the minced fresh parsley, salt, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, and ground black pepper to create a vibrant herb and spice blend for seasoning the fish.
Prepare Baking Pan: Lightly coat a baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the catfish fillets from sticking during baking.
Season the Fillets: Place the catfish fillets on the prepared pan and generously sprinkle the herb and spice mixture over both sides of each fillet, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
Make Butter-Lemon-Garlic Sauce: In another small bowl, mix together the melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and garlic powder to create a tangy and aromatic sauce.
Drizzle Sauce: Pour the butter-lemon-garlic mixture evenly over the seasoned fillets, enhancing the moisture and flavor as the fish bakes.
Bake the Catfish: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked and tender.

Notes

For a crispier texture, broil the fish for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Catfish fillets can vary in thickness; adjust baking time accordingly if fillets are particularly thick or thin.
Fresh lemon juice is key to brightening the flavors, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
To reduce sodium, consider lowering the amount of salt or using a salt substitute.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American Southern

Keywords: Baked Catfish, Herb Seasoned Catfish, Healthy Fish Recipe, Lemon Garlic Catfish, Southern Catfish, Easy Baked Fish