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Cajun Baked Catfish

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If you’re craving something bold, flavorful, and fast, this Cajun Baked Catfish is a must-try. It brings together the smoky heat of classic Cajun spices with the tender, flaky texture of catfish—creating a dish that feels like Southern comfort without all the fuss. Everything comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight option when you want a little extra kick in your dinner routine. Whether you serve it with rice, roasted veggies, coleslaw, or a simple salad, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

4 fresh or frozen catfish fillets (about 8 oz each)
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano, crushed
2 to 3 teaspoons seasoned salt
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
¾ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

If your catfish fillets are frozen, thaw them completely, then rinse and pat them dry with paper towels
Preheat your oven to 350°F
In a small bowl, mix together the black pepper, oregano, seasoned salt, onion powder, crushed red pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin. This is your homemade Cajun seasoning blend
Set aside 1 tablespoon of the seasoning for the fish. Store the rest in an airtight container at room temperature—it’ll keep well for up to a month and works great on other proteins like pork, shrimp, or chicken
Rub both sides of each catfish fillet with the reserved tablespoon of seasoning, making sure to coat them evenly
Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the seasoned fillets in a single layer
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork

Notes

Fresh or frozen catfish both work great here—just be sure to thaw thoroughly if using frozen
Adjust the heat level by playing with the amount of crushed red pepper. Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne
This Cajun seasoning mix is super versatile—sprinkle it over roasted vegetables or use it to season tofu, shrimp, or chicken thighs
For a crispier texture, finish the catfish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes after baking

Find it online: https://dailyfamilymeals.com/cajun-baked-catfish/