Follow this quick and easy recipe for fresh Baked Catfish fillets topped with herbs, butter, and lemon. A perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, ready in under 30 minutes!
Here in the South, one thing we love is fresh catfish! And while my first instinct may be to fry it, baking catfish is really just as delicious.
I’m just going to say this: I love fried food. There. I’ve said it and I meant it, too. There’s just not much better in this world to me than a perfectly cooked piece of fried chicken. Or country fried steak. Or catfish. I could go on and on.
That having been said, I also know that deep frying isn’t the most healthful way to cook. Which really stinks because it tastes so good!
I realize that part of my love of fried food is cultural. When I was growing up, an everyday meal consisted of some kind of meat, more often than not fried, accompanied by two or three vegetables and bread. The proverbial “meat and three” that you see so often referenced these days.
My daddy loved (believe it or not!) a fried t-bone steak. Mama would salt and pepper a t-bone, dredge it in flour, and ease it down into hot oil in a black iron skillet to cook.
It came out golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside and juicy and moist on the inside. Hmmm…I hadn’t thought of that in years until I started writing this.
Recipe Snapshot
Cuisine: Southern
Cooking Method: Oven
Total Time: 25 Minutes
Servings: 4
Primary Ingredient(s): Catfish fillets, lemon, butter, herbs and spices
Skill Level: Easy
Less Frying, More Baking and Roasting
When I think of catfish recipes, I automatically think of all those fish fries we had back in the day. Piles of french fries, fried hush puppies, and fried fish. Of course, we all learned that there were more healthful ways to eat, and gradually our diet changed. Fewer fried foods, more baked or roasted meats.
This baked catfish recipe is my way of continuing to eat a fish I enjoy while being a bit more health conscious. But I still sometimes crave that good old fried food.
All those years ago, frying was an inexpensive and easy way to prepare the main meat course, so that’s what was done. I mean, for goodness sakes, people back then were busy!
We just think we’re busy these days. Laboring in the field from sunup to sundown or taking care of children and running a household a few decades in the past was a much more taxing existence than it is today.
But back then people could handle a more calorie-laden diet because of all the manual labor they did. Today, not so much.
So, even though I still love my fried foods and greatly enjoy them on occasion, I do look for ways to cook that are somewhat more healthful.
In this recipe for Baked Catfish, the fish is coated with a delicious blend of herbs and spices, then drizzled with butter and lemon juice and baked.
What a great change of pace from the usual fried catfish recipes! We really enjoy this method, and I’m happy to share it with you, too.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
- Baked catfish is not only delicious, it’s healthy.
- The herb seasoning gives the fish a vibrant flavor
- It can be made from start to finish in 25 minutes!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
“I was looking for something different from the normal bread and fry recipes.
This was it! The flavor was amazing and everyone loved it.”
— CJ Litts
You’ll also find this recipe in my cookbook!
You can see this recipe on page 224 of my cookbook, My Southern Table! Get your signed copy today.
Ingredient Notes
This post contains affiliate links. Lana’s Cooking is reader-supported and earns a tiny commission at no extra cost to you when you shop from our links.
- Catfish fillets — Either farm-raised or wild caught.
- Lemon, butter, salt, pepper
- Herbs — Thyme, oregano, basil, parsley, paprika, garlic powder.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
One of the other great things about this recipe is that you don’t have to dirty many dishes. You can even line the baking pan with aluminum foil, so there’s no scrubbing up after you cook!
You just need two small bowls to mix the seasonings and butter, as well as a baking sheet. I bet you have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now, so there’s not much shopping to do, either!
How To Make Baked Catfish
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine the parsley, salt, paprika, thyme, oregano, basil, and pepper in a small bowl to make the seasoning blend.
- Place the fillets on a baking pan that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray. I line my pan with foil first because it makes it so much easier to clean.
- Sprinkle the spice-herb seasoning mixture over both sides of the catfish fillets.
- Add the melted butter, lemon juice, and garlic powder to a small bowl or measuring cup. Mix well to combine.
- Drizzle the butter-lemon-garlic mixture over the fillets. Transfer the pan with the fillets to the oven.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
Serving Suggestions
So, you can go two ways with sides. Option A keeps the low-carb theme going with roasted asparagus or leeks and a side salad with a classic vinaigrette. For dessert, try a crisp, refreshing watermelon and mint salad!
Or, try the slightly heavier Option B with my pan-fried zucchini, stick of butter rice, and a peach blueberry basil cobbler!
Variations
- To make a Cajun catfish version, add two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the herbs and spice mixture.
- Easily turn this into a catfish nugget recipe by cutting the fillets into 2 to 3-inch pieces before coating and baking them.
Questions About Baked Catfish
Sure! If using frozen fillets, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, pat dry, and then proceed with the recipe.
Catfish is done when it’s opaque and easily flakes when tested with a fork. If it doesn’t flake easily, then it needs a little more time.
I haven’t tested this recipe in an air fryer, but I feel pretty sure it would work. However, I don’t have cooking times or temperature for that method.
Many people do soak catfish in milk or buttermilk before cooking it to remove any strong “fishy” taste. I think it depends on how fishy it smells. Farm-raised catfish (which is what you’ll get from your local grocery store) tend to have far less fishy odor than wild-caught. It’s up to you whether or not to do that extra step.
Have a question or thought to share?
If you have a question about the recipe or if you’ve made it and want to share how it turned out, I would truly enjoy hearing from you. Just scroll down to leave a comment or add your star rating.
Thank you for stopping by. It means a lot to have you here.
Recipe
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Baked Catfish with Herbs
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 24 ounces catfish fillets (4 fillets, approx. 6 ounces each)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Juice of one lemon
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine the parsley, salt, paprika, thyme, oregano, basil and pepper in a small bowl.2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Place the fillets on a baking pan that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray.24 ounces catfish fillets, Non-stick cooking spray
- Sprinkle the spice-herb mixture over both sides of catfish fillets.
- Add the melted butter, lemon juice and garlic powder to a small bowl. Mix well to combine.2 tablespoons melted butter, Juice of one lemon, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Drizzle the butter-lemon-garlic mixture over the fillets.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
Notes
- Catfish is done when it’s opaque and easily flakes when tested with a fork. If it doesn’t flake easily then it needs a little more time.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
— This post was originally published on January 21, 2011. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.
I’m Lana Stuart, an award-winning cookbook author, food blogger, and lifelong cook raised deep in Southwest Georgia. I started Lana’s Cooking in 2009 to share the tried-and-true recipes I grew up with. Around here, the food is full of flavor, the traditions run deep, and there’s always room at the table.
This is an easy, delicious, moist cat fish reipe. I will make time and again.
Thanks! I’m glad you’re enjoying the recipe!
Lana,
Thanks for the simple, useful inspiration for catfish for my family! Easy, much healthier than frying (or even sauteeing) and delish! We served with a garlic/lemon kale salad and every bit disappeared!
thank you,
Kari Niles
My pleasure! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Made it exactly as the recipe says and it was a 5 star
Great to hear! Thank you.
Recipe was very simple, quick and delicious!
i tried his recipe once and i didnt follow the ingredients to the same measurements andni substituted a couple of things in it with other hearbs n spices and they were very excellent and the only comment that was in any way negative was that I hadnt madd anymore then what i did that night, so im trying it again amd this time im fonna write out what i all use and how much this time and ill share it with you if it ends up being another successful meal
This recipe is fabulous. I use fresh thyme instead of the dried and adds such a lovely flavor along with the fresh parsley. I also use 16 mesh black pepper as well which love on everything. We will definitely use the recipe for other types of fish as well.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Fast, easy and delicious. Healthier than fried. Will definitely are again.
This was great. I’d make it again.
Substituted orange juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, and couldn’t believe how delicious this dish came out! Thank you so much, can’t wait to try another of your recipes!
Great!
This was simple and delicious. I had to adjust my ingredients based on what I had, and it still was a winner. I was skeptical about the flavor being just the right balance. This will be on my meal rotation from now on! Thank you.
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the recipe!
I had every ingredient. Easy and quick.
Had a few shrimp so I threw them on top of the fillets before drizzling the lemon butter. Added some sliced green onion before serving. Presents beautifully and tasted delicious. I’d add a tad less salt next time. This is a keeper!
I love the idea of adding shrimp! Sounds delicious.
Use MSG (Accent)for the salt. It makes a big difference as a flavor enhancer.
Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes.
I was admittedly skeptical at first, but this was really good and flavorful. I doubled the recipe ingredients (minus the fish), and it produced a lot of gravy/sauce/broth for rice, veggies etc. thank you for sharing your gift with the marketplace!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Made this tonight and it was fantastic. Had 1/2 the fish so I halved the seasonings. Still used the same amount of butter, lemon and garlic powder though. Delicious.
Great! So glad you enjoyed it.
I was looking for something different from the normal bread and fry recipes.
This was it! So glad you’re recipe was in one of the top ones that showed up on Goggle search. The flavor was amazing and everyone loved it.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, CJ! I think it’s a great alternative to fried fish.
Baked cat fish is my favorite. Tried the lemon butter herb on mine tonight and it was delicious
So glad you enjoyed it!
I agree with you about fried catfish but you have created a delicious baked catfish recipe. I will be using it frequently in my recipe rotation. Thank you.
Thanks Pat!
My family of 18 LOVES this recipe. I also do it w catfish nuggets as a healthy alternative to fried catfish. Never disappoints.
18! wow! That’s a lot of people to cook for :-) I’m happy that you all enjoy the recipe!
Used catfish nuggets and baked for 30 min and it came out fishy. I love good fish but I’d fry catfish over baking.
I’m a southern girl who loves CATFISH basically any type of way about to try recipe Friday night and maybe Saturday night too
Hope you enjoy it!