Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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This easy recipe for baked catfish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.

I love this recipe because baking is much easier than deep-frying, and the result is crispy and delicious.

Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

I enjoy catfish's delicate, white flesh. When I eat out, I enjoy it fried. But at home, I prefer to prepare baked catfish. It's much easier for me as a cook to bake than deep-fry.

I recently moved to Memphis, Tennessee. It's an interesting place that slowly grows on you. Marc Cohn was correct when he wrote in his song Walking in Memphis, "They've got catfish on the table." We sure do!

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Baked Catfish Instructions
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Fish Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card
  • Let's Connect

Ingredients

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You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this baked catfish recipe. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

  • Almond meal: Blanched almond flour works, too. If you don't mind the added carbs, you can use the same amount of breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free).
  • To season: I use kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.
  • Butter: I use it for dipping the fish fillets before coating them in the almond meal. I love using creamy European butter, but any butter will be great.
  • Avocado oil spray: I use it to spray the fish before placing it in the oven. It helps prevent it from drying out in the oven.
  • Catfish fillets: I use skinless filets. Try to get similar-sized fish pieces if you can.

Variations

  • As mentioned above, you can dredge the fish in almond flour, breadcrumbs, or gluten-free breadcrumbs (if you don't mind the carbs). The advantage of breadcrumbs is that they make the fish more crispy.
  • You can beat an egg and dip the fish pieces in the egg mixture instead of butter. Personally, after trying both, I like the flavor that butter adds.
  • Try different spices. I sometimes use smoked paprika or chili powder instead of regular paprika.
  • It's fine to use blue catfish instead of white catfish in this recipe. Blue catfish have firmer flesh and a milder flavor compared to white catfish.

Baked Catfish Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

Your first step is to mix the almond meal, salt, pepper, and spices in a shallow dish.

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Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (4)

In another shallow dish, melt the butter.

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Dip each catfish fillet in the melted butter and dredge it in the almond meal mixture.

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Place the coated fillets on a greased roasting rack. Spray them with oil.

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Bake the fish for about 15 minutes in a 450°F oven until crisp and golden on the outside and tender and opaque inside.

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Expert Tip

The bag of catfish I got when filming a video for this recipe had two fillets - one thin, the other very thick. This would have caused uneven baking.

I solved the problem by slicing the thick fillet into two thinner ones, as shown in the photo below. Another option is to leave the thick filet as is and cook it for a longer time. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (10)

Recipe FAQs

What type of fish is catfish?

A catfish is a white-fleshed fish. Its flavor is mild and slightly sweet, and its texture is firm yet moist. It somewhat resembles cod, although they are entirely different species of fish.

Where do you buy catfish?

I used to buy frozen fillets at Whole Foods and thaw them overnight in the fridge. You can also order them at Wild Fork Foods. Since moving to Memphis, they have been abundant in every grocery store, so I usually get them fresh at Kroger.

Can I use frozen catfish?

Yes, but you'll need to defrost them before using them. The coating won't adhere to frozen fish, and the whole thing will come out soggy rather than crispy.

How do you know when the fish is done?

The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F. To check for doneness without a thermometer, gently twist a fork on the top of the fish. If the flesh flakes easily and is opaque rather than translucent, the fish is done. If the flesh resists flaking, it needs more time in the oven.

Here's a photo that shows how the inside of the fish should look when it's done:

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Is catfish good in the oven?

Yes! While the classic preparation calls for deep-frying, high-heat baking achieves similar results with much less work and much less mess to clean up.

Serving Suggestions

Since I bake the fish in a450°F oven, I like to serve it with side dishes that I can cook in the same oven. So, I often serve it with any of the following:

  • Roasted okra
  • Roasted green beans
  • Eggplant chips
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Buffalo cauliflower wings
  • Roasted peppers
  • Carrot chips

Baked catfish is also excellent with steamed vegetables such as steamed asparagus, steamed broccoli, and steamed cabbage.

Today, I served it with roasted Brussels sprouts (They are whole because I roasted them from frozen):

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Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. However, they won't be as good as freshly baked fish—the coating will lose its crispiness.

It's best to reheat the leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through, but microwaving them gently works too.

Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (13)

More Fish Recipes

  • Blackened Halibut
  • Baked Cod
  • Seared Tuna
  • Baked Salmon

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Recipe Card

Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (18)

4.98 from 290 votes

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Easy Baked Catfish

This easy recipe for baked catfish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 360kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • Avocado oil spray
  • ½ cup almond meal (or breadcrumbs, regular or gluten-free)
  • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 (6-ounce) catfish fillets

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F. Prepare a roasting pan by lining the bottom with foil and spraying the roasting rack with oil.

    Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (19)

  • Mix the almond meal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper in a shallow bowl.

    Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (20)

  • In another shallow microwave-safe dish, melt the butter in the microwave.

    Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (21)

  • Blot the fish fillets dry with paper towels.

    Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (22)

  • Dip each catfish fillet in the melted butter.

    Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (23)

  • Dredge each fillet in the almond meal mixture, pressing to ensure the coating adheres.

    Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (24)

  • Place the coated fish fillets on the prepared roasting rack. Spray them with oil.

    Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (25)

  • Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake the fish for about 15 minutes, until crisp and golden on the outside and tender and opaque inside. Serve immediately.

    Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (26)

Video

Notes

  • The nutrition info assumes that almond meal was used as a coating. It reflects the fact that some of the butter and almond meal mixture will be left behind in the dishes. You still need all of it to properly coat the fish, but you will not use all of it.
  • If your catfish fillets are very uneven - one thin and one thick - you can slice the thick one into two thinner fillets.
  • You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. They won't be as good as the freshly baked fish - the coating will lose its crispiness. It's best to reheat the leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through, but microwaving them gently works too.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 1fillet | Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 324mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g

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Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (37) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Kris Hanna

    Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (38)
    This is the BEST catfish receipe I like other than frying! So moist and tasty and healthy. I didn't have almond meal but almond flour and it was delicious!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Kris! Thank you for taking the time to write a comment.

      Reply

  2. Andi

    Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (39)
    My brother, who recently suffered a stroke, absolutely loved this, and he’s not a big fan of catfish due to its gamey flavor. The only changes I made were omitting the kosher salt and used unsalted butter for his portions. I made mine exactly as the recipe stated. You really can’t tell the difference! The almond meal adds a delicious, nutty crunch and balances out that catfishy flavor. A squeeze of lemon is an excellent addition as well. This may be the only way I cook catfish from now on!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      I'm so glad you and your brother enjoyed this recipe, Andi!
      I wish your brother all the best. May he experience a full recovery.

      Reply

  3. Veronica Dixon Wall

    Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (40)
    I just had this tonight, without the flour or butter, and it was delicious! I sprayed the fish with avocado oil and seasoned it. This will be one of my favorites.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Veronica!

      Reply

  4. Remy

    Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (41)
    Amazing! I served my fillets with sauteed spinach. Also, I used regular breadcrumbs because that's all I had. Next time, I'm definitely trying with almond flour. Thank you for the tasty recipe!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Remy!

      Reply

Baked Catfish Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

What is the best cooking method for catfish? ›

Season catfish with salt and pepper, then dredge fish in seasoned cornmeal, pressing to coat. Step 2Place fish on prepared baking sheet and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Bake until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork, 15 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Can diabetics eat baked catfish? ›

Protein, Fats, Vitamins and Minerals

Additionally, catfish is much lower in sodium than other fish, which helps individuals maintain a lower blood pressure. The American Diabetes Association also recommends including more polyunsaturated fats in your diet, which is a common source in catfish.

Should I soak catfish in milk before baking? ›

Soaking fish in milk or buttermilk will help remove an overly fish smell and flavor from a filet of catfish, salmon, or other fish. While you can incorporate this extra step into your preparation, it's certainly not necessary when you're making Crispy Pan-Fried Catfish.

What pairs well with baked catfish? ›

Tartar sauce and a squeeze of lemon are all you really need to brighten up this easy dish, but you can serve it with a spicy hot sauce-based dip if you want to turn up the heat. A simple green salad is a perfect accompaniment, but a creamy coleslaw that offers good crunch will work well too.

What do you soak catfish in before cooking? ›

Soak the catfish in milk or buttermilk: While the oil is heating, soak the catfish in the milk or buttermilk. Mix together the breading: Mix the cornmeal, flour, and spices together.

How do you know when catfish is done in oven? ›

How to Know When Catfish is Done:
  1. Cook fish until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  2. Instant read thermometer reads an internal temperature of 145°F.

How healthy is Baked catfish? ›

Catfish is low in calories and packed with lean protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It's particularly rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats and vitamin B12. It can be a healthy addition to any meal, though deep frying adds far more calories and fat than dry heat cooking methods like baking or broiling.

What fish should diabetics not eat? ›

Limit fish like shark, swordfish, and tilefish, as these have a higher risk of mercury contamination, advises the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) echoes these recommendations for people with diabetes.

Is Baked catfish good for high blood pressure? ›

Catfish are also an excellent source of Vitamins B6 and B12, as well as potassium and selenium. All of these nutrients provide numerous health benefits such as helping to lower cholesterol levels, support a healthy immune system, regulate blood pressure, prevent certain types of cancer, and reduce the risk of stroke.

Do you rinse fish after soaking in milk? ›

Online research had recommended letting the fish soak submerged in milk for around 20 minutes, before rinsing and cooking in your preferred fashion.

Should catfish be rinsed before cooking? ›

It is not necessary to rinse or wash raw Siluriformes fish. Any bacteria that might be present are destroyed by cooking to lethality.

What does milk do when baking fish? ›

Poaching the fish in milk adds a rich flavor and creates a creamy poaching liquid that you can spoon over the cooked fish. All you need is fish of your choice, whole milk, and a little salt. Then you can choose to poach the fish on the stove, in the oven, or even in the microwave.

What are the benefits of eating baked catfish? ›

Catfish isn't just about protein. It's also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. These heart-healthy fats play a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and even boosting brain function. Eating catfish is like a tasty strategy for taking care of your heart and mind.

Is baked catfish good for high cholesterol? ›

Catfish Benefits

It's particularly rich in heart-healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fats, which can reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body. In addition, this omega-3 content protects the cardiovascular system and heart from disease, as well as reduces the amount of inflammatory substances in the body.

What seasons are best for catfish? ›

Warmer weather and water temperatures climbing into the 70s tell catfish that it's time to spawn, and anglers who pursue them know from experience the period from late spring into early summer is prime time.

How do you fry catfish without the fishy taste? ›

These days, the catfish you buy at the grocery is mostly farm raised and has a fresher taste. If you still find the taste to be offensive, I've heard that soaking the fish in milk for 30 minutes or so before cooking can help. Also, avoid buying very large fillets. The smaller fish will have a better taste.

How do you cook catfish without the fishy taste? ›

First, try rinsing the fish in cold water and then patting it dry with a paper towel. This will remove some of the surface bacteria that can cause the fishy taste. Next, soak the fish in milk for about 30 minutes. The milk will help to neutralize the strong fishy taste of the fish.

What is the best oil to fry catfish in? ›

Best Oil to Fry Fish. Thanks to its neutral flavor, affordable price, and high smoke point, canola oil is the most popular oil for frying fish. Peanut, cottonseed, and coconut oil are also great fish frying oils.

How long should you soak catfish in milk? ›

Rinse and dry catfish fillets, and place in a glass baking dish. Pour buttermilk over the fish (they don't need to be completely submerged, but use enough buttermilk to make sure all the fillets have good contact with the milk.) Marinate for one to two hours in refrigerator, turning the fish once.

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