Cajun Baked Catfish (Print-Friendly Version)

Flaky catfish fillets seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend, baked to perfection in just 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Catfish Fillets & Spices

01 - 4 fresh or frozen catfish fillets (about 8 oz each)
02 - 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
03 - 1 tablespoon dried oregano, crushed
04 - 2 to 3 teaspoons seasoned salt
05 - 2 teaspoons onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
07 - ¾ teaspoon chili powder
08 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin

# How to Make It:

01 - If your catfish fillets are frozen, thaw them completely, then rinse and pat them dry with paper towels.
02 - Preheat your oven to 350°F.
03 - In a small bowl, mix together the black pepper, oregano, seasoned salt, onion powder, crushed red pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin. This is your homemade Cajun seasoning blend.
04 - Set aside 1 tablespoon of the seasoning for the fish. Store the rest in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.
05 - Rub both sides of each catfish fillet with the reserved tablespoon of seasoning, ensuring even coating.
06 - Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the seasoned fillets in a single layer.
07 - Bake the fillets for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
08 - For a crispier texture, finish the fish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes after baking.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Adjust the heat level of the seasoning by altering the amount of crushed red pepper or adding cayenne for extra kick.
02 - This Cajun seasoning mix is versatile—use it for seasoning shrimp, chicken thighs, tofu, or roasted vegetables.
03 - Ensure frozen fillets are completely thawed before seasoning.