Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this Cajun Spiced Catfish Delight. Perfect for seafood enthusiasts, this recipe brings together tender catfish fillets and a burst of Cajun spices, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to prepare. Ideal for a quick dinner or a comforting meal any day of the week, this recipe ensures a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 2 large raw catfish fillets, approximately 1 pound total
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Crystal hot sauce
- Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Prepare the Skillet
Liberal greasing of a 12-inch cast iron skillet with oil is crucial for preventing the fish from sticking.
3. Arrange the Catfish
Place the catfish fillets in the greased skillet, positioning them evenly.
4. Add Lemon Juice and Hot Sauce
Pour half of the lemon juice over one fillet and the rest over the other. Brush or spoon over the tops to coat each fillet. Repeat the process with the hot sauce, ensuring an even coverage.
5. Season the Fillets
Sprinkle the fillets with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences. Then, evenly distribute paprika, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder over each fillet.
6. Add Butter and Lemon Zest
Dot the skillet with pieces of cold butter placed around the catfish. If using lemon zest, sprinkle it on now for an added flavor boost.
7. Bake the Catfish
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The catfish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Servings: 2
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store leftover catfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Adding a splash of water can help prevent drying out.
Conclusion
This Cajun Spiced Catfish Delight recipe combines ease, expediency, and exquisite tastes of the South into your kitchen. It’s a surefire way to enjoy seasoned, succulent catfish any night of the week. With straightforward ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can serve a meal that looks as impressive as it tastes. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this catfish recipe is poised to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.
PrintCajun Spiced Catfish Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this Cajun Spiced Catfish Delight. Perfect for seafood enthusiasts, this recipe brings together tender catfish fillets and a burst of Cajun spices, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to prepare. Ideal for a quick dinner or a comforting meal any day of the week, this recipe ensures a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 2 large raw catfish fillets, approximately 1 pound total
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Crystal hot sauce
- Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Prepare the Skillet Liberal greasing of a 12-inch cast iron skillet with oil is crucial for preventing the fish from sticking.
- Arrange the Catfish Place the catfish fillets in the greased skillet, positioning them evenly.
- Add Lemon Juice and Hot Sauce Pour half of the lemon juice over one fillet and the rest over the other. Brush or spoon over the tops to coat each fillet. Repeat the process with the hot sauce, ensuring an even coverage.
- Season the Fillets Sprinkle the fillets with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences. Then, evenly distribute paprika, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder over each fillet.
- Add Butter and Lemon Zest Dot the skillet with pieces of cold butter placed around the catfish. If using lemon zest, sprinkle it on now for an added flavor boost.
- Bake the Catfish Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The catfish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes