10+ Catfish Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

10+ Catfish Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

ByPin These Recipes Team Reading Time: 9 minutes

Catfish is a flavorful fish that is popular in many kitchens. Whether you’re looking to fry, bake, or grill, there are countless ways to prepare this delicious seafood.

With a variety of catfish recipes, you can easily find something that suits your taste and dietary needs.

A catfish being prepared with fresh herbs and spices in a rustic kitchen setting

From classic dishes to modern twists, catfish can be the star of your meal. You can enjoy it in many forms, including tacos, po’ boys, and more.

With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a satisfying and tasty experience for you and your loved ones.

1) Classic Fried Catfish

A plate of golden-brown fried catfish fillets, served with hush puppies and coleslaw on a checkered tablecloth

Classic fried catfish is a delicious choice for any meal. It offers crispy texture and rich flavor that many people love.

To start, you’ll want to use catfish fillets, which are tender and perfect for frying.

Soak the fillets in buttermilk for several hours. This step enhances the flavor and helps the coating stick.

Next, season the cornmeal with your favorite spices, such as salt and pepper.

Dredge the soaked fillets in the cornmeal mixture. Make sure they are evenly coated for a nice crunch.

Fry the catfish in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes per side.

Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 catfish fillets
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3/4 cup cornmeal
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Soak catfish fillets in buttermilk for 8 hours.
  2. Mix cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Dredge fillets in the cornmeal mixture.
  4. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry fillets for 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown.

2) Oven-Fried Catfish Delight

A golden-brown catfish fillet sizzles in a hot oven, surrounded by a sprinkle of herbs and spices. A tantalizing aroma fills the kitchen

Oven-fried catfish is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional frying. You will enjoy the crispy texture and rich flavor that comes from baking instead of frying. A simple cornmeal breading adds a nice crunch.

To start, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps to create a golden crust on the fish.

You’ll coat the catfish filets with a blend of spices and cornmeal to give it a savory kick.

Now, place the coated catfish on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Your catfish should be golden brown and cooked through.

Ingredients

  • 4 catfish filets
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray or olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat catfish filets with the mixture.
  4. Place filets on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

3) Herb-Crusted Baked Catfish

A golden-brown catfish fillet covered in a savory herb crust, resting on a bed of fresh herbs and lemon slices on a baking tray

Herb-crusted baked catfish is a tasty and healthy meal. This dish features catfish fillets topped with a mix of herbs and spices. Baking the fish makes it tender and flavorful.

To start, you will need fresh catfish fillets.

You can create the herb crust by mixing parsley, paprika, thyme, oregano, and a touch of salt and pepper.

Spread the herb mixture on top of the fillets before baking. Bake the catfish at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Ingredients

  • 4 catfish fillets
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix all herbs and spices in a small bowl.
  3. Place catfish fillets in a baking dish.
  4. Spread the herb mixture on top of the fillets.
  5. Drizzle olive oil over the fish.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.

4) Blackened Catfish Fajitas

A sizzling skillet of blackened catfish fajitas with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a side of warm tortillas

Blackened catfish fajitas are a flavorful and easy meal. You can enjoy these spicy fish tacos any night of the week. The catfish is coated in a mix of spices and cooked until it’s crispy.

Start by preparing your blackening seasoning. This usually includes paprika, black pepper, and dried oregano.

Then, coat your catfish with melted butter before adding the seasoning.

Cook the seasoned fish in a hot skillet or wok. You’ll want to achieve that perfect blackened crust.

Serve it with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like avocado and salsa.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound catfish fillets
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • Tortillas
  • Toppings (like avocado and salsa)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat a skillet on medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
  2. Coat catfish fillets in melted butter.
  3. Mix spices and coat the fish.
  4. Cook the fish in the hot skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
  5. Warm tortillas and serve with desired toppings.

5) Cajun-Style Baked Catfish

A rustic kitchen with a chef preparing Cajun-style baked catfish. Ingredients and spices scattered on the counter. A warm, inviting atmosphere

Cajun-style baked catfish is a flavorful dish that’s easy to make. This recipe combines spices to give the fish a tasty kick. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). You can use fresh catfish fillets or steaks for this dish.

In a bowl, mix spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme.

Rub this spice mix over your catfish to coat it well. Place the seasoned fish in a baking dish and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Enjoy this dish with some steamed vegetables or a fresh salad!

Ingredients

  • 2 large catfish fillets (about 1 pound)
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Mix spices in a bowl.
  3. Rub the spice mix on the catfish.
  4. Place catfish in a baking dish.
  5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until flaky.

6) Asian-Inspired Catfish Stir-Fry

A wok sizzles as catfish fillets are stir-fried with colorful vegetables and Asian-inspired seasonings, creating a mouthwatering and aromatic dish

Asian-inspired catfish stir-fry is a quick and tasty dish. You can make it with fresh vegetables and bold Asian flavors that make your taste buds dance.

Start by cutting catfish fillets into strips.

Marinate them in a mix of soy sauce and lemon juice for a refreshing zing.

Stir-frying allows you to retain the tenderness of the fish while adding delicious textures.

Toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers and onions. Add some ginger for extra flavor and cook until everything is tender. Top it off with sesame seeds for a nice crunch.

Ingredients

  • Catfish fillets
  • Soy sauce
  • Lemon juice
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Fresh ginger
  • Sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut catfish into strips.
  2. Marinate in soy sauce and lemon juice for 15 minutes.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
  4. Add catfish and cook until golden.
  5. Stir in veggies and ginger, cooking until tender.
  6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

7) Catfish Tacos with Lime Crema

A plate of catfish tacos topped with lime crema, surrounded by fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and colorful salsa

Catfish tacos are a tasty twist on a traditional favorite. With crispy catfish, fresh toppings, and creamy lime sauce, these tacos are sure to please.

To start, season your catfish with spices and cook it until it’s golden brown.

Use tortillas to wrap the fish. Add a cabbage slaw for crunch and freshness.

Next, whip up a lime crema to drizzle over the top. This adds a tangy flavor that complements the fish perfectly.

Don’t forget to top with your favorite salsa for an extra kick!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds catfish fillets
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup yogurt or sour cream
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your frying pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
  2. Season catfish with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook catfish in the pan for about 4-5 minutes per side until crispy.
  4. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to make lime crema.
  5. Warm tortillas in a separate pan for about 30 seconds on each side.
  6. Assemble tacos with catfish, cabbage, and lime crema. Enjoy!

8) Grilled Catfish with Lemon Butter

A sizzling catfish fillet topped with lemon butter sauce on a hot grill. Lemon wedges and fresh herbs scattered around

Grilling catfish with lemon butter is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this fish. The bright flavors make it a perfect dish for summer cookouts.

Start by preparing your catfish fillets with a sprinkle of salt and a dash of pepper. You can use a medium heat for grilling.

For the lemon butter, melt some butter and mix in fresh lemon juice. You can add garlic for extra flavor too.

Brush this mixture over your catfish while it grills. It keeps the fish moist and adds a fantastic taste.

Serve with additional lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing touch.

Ingredients

  • 2 catfish fillets
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Optional: minced garlic

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F/175°C).
  2. Season the catfish fillets with salt and pepper.
  3. Mix melted butter with lemon juice (and garlic, if using).
  4. Brush the lemon butter on the catfish.
  5. Grill the fillets for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
  6. Serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy!

9) Crispy Cornmeal Catfish Fingers

Golden catfish fingers sizzling in a skillet, surrounded by a sprinkle of crispy cornmeal and a side of tartar sauce

Crispy cornmeal catfish fingers are a fun and tasty dish. They make a great snack or main course.

The crunchy texture pairs well with a variety of dips.

To start, you will need fresh catfish fillets. Cut them into finger-sized pieces. This makes them easy to cook and dip.

Next, coat the catfish pieces in a mix of cornmeal, flour, and spices. This will give them a delicious, crispy coating. The cayenne pepper adds a nice kick!

Then, heat oil in a skillet. Fry the catfish fingers until they turn golden brown. This should take about 3-4 minutes on each side at 350°F (about 175°C).

Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty treat!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound catfish fillets
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut catfish fillets into finger-sized pieces.
  2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat catfish pieces in the cornmeal mixture.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry catfish fingers for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve with a dip.

10) Southern Catfish Po’ Boys

A rustic kitchen with a sizzling skillet of breaded catfish fillets, surrounded by fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a stack of crusty French bread

A Southern Catfish Po’ Boy is a delicious sandwich that brings a taste of New Orleans to your table. It features crispy fried catfish, which is juicy and flavorful. You can load it up with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.

This sandwich is perfect for any gathering, as it’s easy to make and fun to eat. Pair it with a creamy sauce for added flavor. You’ll find that each bite of this sandwich is a taste adventure.

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds catfish fillets
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • French hoagie rolls
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Pickles
  • Mayonnaise mixed with hot sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut catfish fillets into strips.
  2. Season with salt.
  3. Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Dredge catfish in flour.
  5. Fry catfish until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Place fried catfish in hoagie rolls.
  7. Add lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and sauce.
  8. Enjoy!

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