Cajun Baked Catfish

Ingredients

• 2 large raw catfish fillets, about 1 pound
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Louisiana hot sauce
• Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 3 tbs cold butter, cut into pieces
• ½ tsp lemon zest, optional

Directions

1. Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat oven to 400°F. Liberally grease a 12" cast-iron skillet with oil.
2. Arrange Fish: Place catfish fillets in the skillet.
3. Season with Citrus: Pour ½ of the lemon juice over one fillet and repeat with the second. Use a brush or spoon to coat the tops evenly.
4. Add Heat: Repeat the process using the hot sauce to coat both fillets.
5. Season: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste over the fillets. Distribute ½ of the dried seasonings over each fillet.
6. Add Butter & Zest: Arrange butter pieces around the fish. Sprinkle lemon zest over the top if using.
7. Bake: Bake 15-20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily and a thermometer inserted into the fillets reads at least 145°F.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately.

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