Description
Cajun spiced catfish delight shines as a bold southern classic with deep Louisiana roots. Spicy seasonings and crisp texture promise a memorable meal that brings warmth and excitement to home dining experiences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large raw catfish fillets (approximately 1 pound / 454 grams)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Crystal hot sauce
- 3 tbsps cold butter, cut into pieces
- 0.5 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
- Skillet Setup: Liberally coat a cast iron skillet with olive oil, creating a protective layer that prevents the delicate catfish from sticking.
- Flavor Foundation: Arrange catfish fillets in the skillet, then drizzle fresh lemon juice across each piece to introduce a bright, tangy essence.
- Spice Composition: Layer hot sauce sparingly over the fillets, then generously dust with a vibrant Cajun spice blend combining salt, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, dried parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Moisture Enhancement: Strategically dot the fillets with cold butter pieces and sprinkle fresh lemon zest, which will melt and infuse the fish with rich, aromatic flavors during cooking.
- Baking Process: Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the catfish becomes perfectly flaky and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Notes
- Boost Flavor Intensity: Toast spices briefly in a dry skillet before applying to enhance their depth and release aromatic oils.
- Prevent Drying Out: Keep catfish moist by avoiding overcooking; check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and hot sauce quantities to match personal heat preference without overwhelming the delicate fish.
- Maximize Butter Impact: Use cold, unsalted butter for better flavor distribution and a more luxurious sauce formation during baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg