Description
Cajun Spiced Catfish Delight brings Louisiana’s bold flavors to your dinner table with succulent catfish seasoned in zesty spices. Louisiana’s culinary magic shines through each perfectly crisp bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large raw catfish fillets (approximately 1 pound / 454 grams)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Crystal hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
- 0.5 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Fire up the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), creating the ideal temperature for baking the catfish to perfection.
- Generously coat a 12-inch (30.5 centimeters) cast iron skillet with olive oil, ensuring a non-stick surface that will protect the delicate fish.
- Carefully arrange the catfish fillets in the skillet, positioning them with equal spacing to promote even cooking.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice across each fillet, using half for one and half for the other, creating a bright, citrusy foundation.
- Apply hot sauce over the fillets with a light hand, distributing the condiment evenly to infuse a subtle heat.
- Season the fish with a balanced blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper, adjusting to personal spice tolerance.
- Sprinkle a harmonious mixture of paprika, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder across the fillets, creating a robust Cajun-inspired coating.
- Strategically place small, cold butter pieces around the catfish, which will melt and create a rich, silky texture during baking.
- Gently scatter fresh lemon zest over the fillets to enhance the dish’s aromatic profile.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
Notes
- Fiery Flavor Fusion: Cajun spices transform ordinary catfish into a bold, zesty dish bursting with southern-style heat and complexity.
- Smart Skillet Strategy: Cast iron ensures even heating and creates a perfect crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender.
- Temperature Triumph: Baking at 400°F guarantees perfectly cooked fish that flakes beautifully without becoming dry or tough.
- Seasoning Secrets: Layering multiple spices like cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder creates a depth of flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Moisture Magic: Lemon juice and butter work together to keep the catfish succulent and add bright, rich undertones to the final result.
- Quick Cooking Convenience: The entire recipe takes less than 30 minutes from preparation to serving, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg