Perfect Baked Catfish with Herbs Recipe for Fish Lovers

Seafood lovers rejoice as this delectable baked catfish with herbs recipe promises a burst of flavor in every bite.

The herb-infused marinade coats the tender catfish, creating a mouthwatering dish that sings with Mediterranean-inspired notes.

Fresh herbs dance across the delicate fish, awakening your taste buds with each savory morsel.

Delightfully simple yet impressively elegant, this recipe turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, the catfish emerges flaky and aromatic.

The combination of herbs brings a garden-fresh brightness that makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your regular meal rotation and impress everyone at the dinner table.

Flavor Variations for Baked Catfish with Herbs

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Experiment with different fresh herb combinations like rosemary or dill to create unique taste profiles that make this dish pop.
• Spice Level Control: For those who enjoy heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne into the herb mix to give the catfish a gentle kick without overwhelming the delicate fish flavor.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: Try grilling or pan-searing the catfish instead of baking for a crispy exterior and tender interior, maintaining the same herb seasoning technique.
• Protein Substitution: This herb blend works beautifully with other mild white fish like tilapia, cod, or halibut, offering versatility for seafood lovers who want to switch things up.
• Meal Pairing Suggestions: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a light citrus salad to complement the herb-infused catfish and create a balanced, nutritious dinner that satisfies.

Ways to Serve Baked Catfish with Herbs

• Zesty Citrus Companion: Serve alongside a fresh lemon wedge to enhance the herb-infused fish, allowing guests to squeeze extra brightness directly onto their fillets.
• Crisp Green Partner: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to complement the rich, herbal flavors of the catfish and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wholesome Grain Base: Place the baked catfish over a bed of fluffy quinoa or wild rice pilaf, which absorbs the delicious butter-lemon drippings and adds nutritional depth to the meal.
• Rustic Vegetable Medley: Roast seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers as a colorful side dish that echoes the herb seasoning and provides a satisfying vegetable component to the protein-packed fish.

Storing Advice for Baked Catfish with Herbs

• Refrigeration Rescue: Store leftover catfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each fillet individually to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Freezing Finesse: Carefully place cooled fish in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Frozen catfish stays delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm your baked catfish gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying. Add a splash of lemon juice or butter to refresh the herbs and keep the fish tender.
• Meal Prep Mastermind: Prepare the herb mix and season fillets in advance. Keep seasoned fish refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Separate raw fillets with parchment paper for easy handling.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Highlights for Baked Catfish with Herbs

• Parsley: Adds fresh, bright flavor and vibrant green color to the dish.
• Thyme: Earthy and slightly minty herb that complements fish perfectly.
• Oregano: Brings a robust, slightly peppery taste that enhances seafood.
• Basil: Provides a sweet and peppery note with aromatic undertones.
• Paprika: Offers mild sweetness and beautiful reddish color to the herb mixture.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the herb seasoning.

• Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the fish.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated, savory garlic essence without raw garlic texture.

• Catfish Fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets with clean, ocean-like smell and no discoloration.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and helps tenderize the fish with its natural acidity.
• Melted Butter: Creates a rich, golden coating that helps herbs adhere and adds luxurious flavor.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy release and prevents fish from sticking to baking surface.

Herb‑Friendly Tools for Baked Catfish with Herbs

• Baking Pan: Large, flat pan to hold and cook the catfish fillets.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls for preparing herb mix and butter-lemon drizzle.
• Fork: To check if fish is cooked and flakes easily.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise herb and seasoning measurements.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray: To prevent fish from sticking to the baking pan.
• Whisk or Spoon: To mix herb blend and drizzle ingredients thoroughly.

Oven Procedure for Baked Catfish with Herbs

• Oven Warmup

Nudge the oven temperature to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for your fish adventure.

• Herb Symphony

Blend fresh herbs into a fragrant dance of flavors, mixing parsley, thyme, and other aromatic companions.

• Fish Transformation

Lay the catfish on a lightly greased baking pan, showering it with the herbal medley that will elevate its natural taste.

• Liquid Magic

Whisk together melted butter, zesty lemon juice, and a whisper of garlic to create a tantalizing drizzle.

• Flavor Cascade

Gently pour the buttery elixir over the herb-kissed fish, allowing each drop to enhance the upcoming culinary experience.

• Baking Brilliance

Slide the pan into the warm oven, letting the catfish bake until it becomes delicately flaky and irresistibly golden.

• Culinary Celebration

Plate your herb-infused creation, ready to transport taste buds on a delightful seafood journey.

Delectable Baked Catfish with Herbs Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Herb-infused baked catfish delivers a Mediterranean-inspired seafood delight packed with aromatic flavors. Fresh herbs and zesty spices create a light, flavorful dish perfect for health-conscious diners seeking a quick weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

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• 24 oz (680 g) catfish fillets (4 fillets, approximately 6 oz/170 g each)
• 2 tbsps melted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsps minced fresh parsley
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¾ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Non-stick cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an optimal cooking environment for the herbed catfish.
2. Seasoning Blend: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine parsley, salt, paprika, thyme, oregano, basil, and pepper to create a robust herb mixture.
3. Fish Preparation: Arrange catfish fillets on a lightly greased baking pan, meticulously coating both sides with the herbal seasoning blend to ensure complete flavor infusion.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Whisk melted butter, lemon juice, and garlic powder into a smooth, aromatic liquid that will elevate the fish’s natural taste profile.
5. Cooking Process: Drizzle the butter-lemon mixture over the seasoned fillets, then place the pan in the preheated oven. Roast uncovered for 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness by gently testing with a fork – the fish should flake easily and appear opaque throughout.
6. Serving: Transfer the golden-brown, herb-crusted catfish to a serving platter, presenting a delectable dish that showcases the harmonious blend of herbs and delicate fish texture.

Notes

• Preheat Precisely: Maintain exact 350°F oven temperature for consistent, even fish cooking and optimal herb-infused flavor development.
• Herb Blend Mastery: Mix dried herbs thoroughly to create a uniform, balanced seasoning that coats fish evenly and enhances overall taste profile.
• Butter Sauce Technique: Whisk lemon, butter, and garlic powder until completely smooth to ensure seamless flavor distribution across catfish fillets.
• Doneness Check: Test fish with fork after 15-20 minutes; perfectly cooked catfish flakes easily and appears opaque white without any translucent sections.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg