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A simple, flavorful baked catfish recipe with a crispy coating made from panko breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning, herbed Parmesan, and other spices. Easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome, budget-friendly meal.

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 catfish fillets (fresh or fully thawed and patted dry if frozen)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon spicy Cajun seasoning
  • 1/4 cup herbed Parmesan cheese (for a crispy Parmesan crust)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, for extra crunch)
  • 1 teaspoon Mediterranean herb and spice mix
  • 2 eggs (for wet mixture)
  • 1/4 cup milk (for wet mixture)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. If using frozen catfish fillets, fully thaw and pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, spicy Cajun seasoning, herbed Parmesan, lemon pepper, chopped nuts (if using), and Mediterranean herb mix.
  4. In another shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth.
  5. Dip each catfish fillet into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
  6. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Arrange the coated fillets on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded to allow crispiness.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
  9. Remove from oven, plate, garnish as desired, and serve.

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs and add chopped nuts to the coating., Avoid crowding the baking sheet to ensure the coating stays crispy., You can prepare the dry coating mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container., Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat best in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness., Freezing cooked catfish wrapped tightly can preserve it for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 catfish fillet
  • Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
  • Fat: Approximately 15 g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 15 g per serving
  • Protein: Approximately 25 g per serving