Best 4 Baked Southern Catfish With A Twist Recipes

Get ready for a taste sensation unlike any other with our incredibly delicious Baked Southern Catfish with a Twist. This dish combines the classic flavors of Southern cuisine with a medley of unexpected ingredients, resulting in a truly unique culinary experience. Our recipe features tender catfish fillets coated in a zesty blend of spices and herbs, then baked to perfection in a flavorful broth infused with lemon, garlic, and a hint of smokiness from paprika. The result is a crispy-on-the-outside, melt-in-your-mouth catfish that will tantalize your taste buds.

In addition to the main recipe, we also offer delectable variations to satisfy diverse palates. Try our tangy Lemon-Pepper Catfish, where the zesty flavor of lemon and the subtle heat of black pepper create a refreshing and invigorating dish. For those who prefer a bolder taste, our Spicy Cajun Catfish is infused with a fiery blend of spices, guaranteed to ignite your senses. And for a creamy and indulgent treat, our Creamy Parmesan Catfish is smothered in a rich and velvety Parmesan sauce, providing a luxurious and satisfying experience.

Each recipe is meticulously crafted to deliver the ultimate catfish experience, using simple yet flavorful ingredients that highlight the natural goodness of catfish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, our detailed instructions and helpful tips will guide you through the process, ensuring success every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BAKED HERB CATFISH

Baked Herb Catfish image

Spice up August, National Catfish Month, with these well-seasoned fillets. A healthy twist on batter-fried catfish, the baked entree cuts the calories and saves the flavor. -Kathy Giannone, West Henrietta, NY

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 catfish fillets (6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon reduced-fat butter, melted
1 garlic clove, minced

Steps:

Combine the first seven ingredients; sprinkle over fillets on both sides. Place in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Combine the lemon juice, butter and garlic; drizzle over fillets., Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 249 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 84mg cholesterol, Sodium 706mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

BAKED SOUTHERN CATFISH WITH A TWIST

Baked Southern Catfish with a Twist image

First of all I LOVE fried catfish. I remember hot Summer eves alongside the Mississippi river, having all-you-can-eat fried catfish, drinking ice tea out of old mason jars, and watching the riverboats move slowly up and down the mighty Mississippi. I don't know if those family restaurants still exist, but I hope they do...

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Categories Fish

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 lb catfish fillets, four pieces
2 c panko break crumbs, this is the twist
1/2 c finely ground cornmeal
1/2 c flour, all purpose
2 tsp creole seasoning, your choice
2 medium eggs
1/4 c buttermilk
1 tsp hot sauce, or more if you like it spicier, i like franks
1 tsp dijon mustard, i like grey poupon

Steps:

1. Take a baking sheet, and line it with parchment paper.
2. Place a metal cooling rack on top of the parchment paper.
3. Chef's Note: The cooling rack will raise the catfish off the bottom of the baking sheet, and help them to crisp evenly.
4. In a large bowl combine the ground cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and the creole seasoning.
5. Chef's Note: I like to make my own creole seasoning, so that I can control the ingredients. This is what I use, when I make up a batch: 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons dried oregano 2 tablespoons dried basil 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1/2 tablespoon black pepper 1/2 tablespoon white pepper 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper 4 tablespoons paprika 1 tablespoon salt
6. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, dijon mustard, and the hot sauce.
7. Place the breadcrumbs into another bowl.
8. Take one of the pieces of catfish, and dredge it in the cornmeal/flour mixture. Making sure that the fillet is completely and evenly covered.
9. Drop it into the buttermilk/egg mixture, and allow the flour to absorb the liquid, about 15 seconds per side.
10. Chef's Tip: To keep my hands as dry as possible, I place the catfish in the liquid using a pair of tongs.
11. Place the fillet into the breadcrumbs, and throughly cover. Use your hands to scoop up the breadcrumbs and press them into the fish.
12. Place the finished catfish on the rack inside the baking sheet, and repeat for the other fillets.
13. Allow the fillets to rest for about 15 minutes.
14. Chef's Note: This resting period will help the coating stick to the fish, during the baking process.
15. Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat your oven to 425f (220c).
16. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the coating begins to nicely brown.
17. Chef's Note: Panko breadcrumbs are not a part of traditional southern fried catfish; however, their addition adds another level of flavor to the fish, and helps to keep the fillets moist during their time in the oven. This is why I call the recipe Baked Southern Catfish with a Twist.
18. Serving Tip: If you like you can serve these fillets with a nice bowl of dirty rice, or just a big bowl of homemade hushpuppies... YUM.
19. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

BAKED CAJUN CATFISH

Baked Cajun Catfish image

This is our favorite way to serve catfish. I've made this with half of the spices at first. Then my family got older, I doubled the spices. -Wendy Stenman

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons garlic salt
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 catfish fillets (8 ounces each)

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; brush over both sides of fish., Place fish in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 10-13 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 146 calories, Fat 12g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 941mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

SOUTHERN-STYLE OVEN-FRIED CATFISH

Southern-Style Oven-Fried Catfish image

I have served this to many a friend from the South, and it is always a winner! Serve with coleslaw and oven-baked french fries, and you'll have a healthy, tasty meal!

Provided by carina

Categories Seafood Fish Catfish

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 ½ pounds catfish fillets, cut into serving pieces
1 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon white sugar
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce or water

Steps:

Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a 13x9 glass baking dish with the oil, and set aside.
Rinse the catfish fillets, and pat dry. In a shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, creole seasoning, paprika, sugar, and black pepper. Combine the eggs and hot sauce or water in a another bowl. Dip the fillets in the egg mixture, dredge in the cornmeal mixture, and arrange in the baking pan.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Turn once during cooking. Place catfish on a paper-towel lined plate, and serve immediately with additional hot sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402.7 calories, Carbohydrate 29.7 g, Cholesterol 188.6 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 30.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 433.5 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

Tips:

Choosing the Right Catfish: Select fresh or frozen catfish fillets that are firm and have a mild, sweet flavor.
Seasoning and Marinating: Generously season the catfish fillets with a flavorful blend of spices, herbs, and citrus juices. Marinating the fish for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
Baking Temperature and Time: Bake the catfish fillets at a high temperature (400°F or 200°C) for a shorter duration (10-12 minutes) to ensure a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior.
Achieving a Crispy Crust: To create a crispy crust on the catfish, brush the fillets with melted butter or olive oil before baking. Additionally, consider using a combination of bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese as a topping for an extra crunchy texture.
Perfecting the Lemon-Butter Sauce: For a rich and flavorful lemon-butter sauce, use a combination of unsalted butter, lemon juice, fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), and a touch of white wine. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, then drizzle it over the baked catfish.

Conclusion:

This recipe for Baked Southern Catfish with a Twist offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. By following the tips and techniques outlined above, you can create a crispy, flavorful catfish dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Remember to choose high-quality ingredients, season the fish generously, and bake it at a high temperature for a short duration to achieve the perfect combination of crispy crust and tender, flaky flesh. The lemon-butter sauce adds an extra layer of richness and tang that complements the catfish perfectly. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.