Baked Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Garlic Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky catfish fillets baked with a bold Cajun spice rub and finished with a rich garlic butter drizzle. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe (gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs catfish fillets, olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) with paper towels. Rub each fillet evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then generously coat both sides with the Cajun spice mix.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the seasoned catfish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: While the fish bakes, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  5. Step 5: Remove the garlic butter from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle the garlic butter over the baked catfish fillets and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Garlic Butter?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Garlic Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Garlic Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Garlic Butter gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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