Lemon Pepper Catfish
This lemon pepper catfish is an easy, healthy dish loaded with protein and lemon pepper's bright, zippy flavors. Served with rice or pasta and vegetables, it's the perfect healthy dinner for even busy weeknights.
As a busy mom, I'm a huge fan of quick, easy, and delicious recipes, and this baked catfish ticks all of those boxes. With just a few steps, I have a delicious main dish that even the kids love. You can't beat that!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- It's an easy recipe that only takes a little prep and baking.
- It's as healthy as it is delicious.
- It's a versatile dish you can pair with various sides to suit your tastes.
Top Tip
If you're worried about your catfish sticking, just give your baking dish a quick spray with non-stick spray.
Ingredients
This recipe only uses basic ingredients, most of which you can find in your kitchen. The rest can be found at your local grocery store in just a few minutes.
The ingredients for this lemon pepper catfish are listed here, but you can find the exact quantities in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Catfish filets
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Basil leaves
- Ground thyme
- Pepper
- Lemon, sliced
- OPTIONAL: garnish with fresh parsley
Instructions
With a couple of minutes of prep and a little time in the oven, this is an easy recipe that's ready in just about a half hour. Yay!
The recipe highlights are listed here, but you can find the specific instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.
1: Place the catfish filets in a baking dish and sprinkle them with seasonings.
2: Top the filets with sliced lemons.
3: Bake until the fish easily flakes with a fork. Garnish with parsley and enjoy.
Substitutions and Variations
- The flavors in this dish work with any of your favorite fish.
- Add a little heat with some red pepper flakes.
- Try topping this lemon pepper catfish with slivered almonds.
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Baking dish
- Knife
- Cutting board
Storage
Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days in an air-tight container.
Freezer: Store for up to 3 months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container.
Reheat: Defrost the fish if frozen, then place in a baking dish, cover, and bake at 350 until heated through.
What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Catfish
The mild flavor of catfish and the lemon pepper and seasonings used to bake it make this dish incredibly versatile. Serve it with rice or noodles and your favorite steamed, grilled, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- While fish filets should have no bones, check your catfish for any stray bones that may still be there.
- Season your fish thoroughly for a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Use dried herbs that are within their use-by date for the best flavor.
FAQ
Catfish has a mildly sweet flavor with a firm, flaky texture.
Filets should have little to no bones. The point of fileting fish is to bypass the bones. However, you should always check your filets for bones just to be safe.
Run your fingers along the filets against the grain, feeling for any bones. If you find a bone, use a pair of tweezers to pull the bone from the filet gently with the grain. It should come out easily.
More Main Course Recipes
Catfish Steaks
This lemon pepper catfish is quick, easy, healthy, and full of flavor. It's a versatile fish recipe that pairs well with anything.
Ingredients
- 4 large catfish filets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp basil leaves
- ½ tsp ground thyme
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced
- OPTIONAL: garnish with fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Place catfish filets in a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine all spices.
- Sprinkle spices over top of filets.
- Place sliced lemons on top of filets.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until filets flake apart with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 218Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 94mgSodium 754mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 27g
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