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oven baked catfish with cornmeal crust recipe

Crispy Oven Baked Catfish with Cornmeal Crust

Emily CarterEmily Carter
Deliciously crispy and easy to prepare, this oven baked catfish with cornmeal crust is the perfect choice for a family-friendly seafood dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 4 fillets
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 baking sheet lined with foil
  • 1 wire rack to fit inside the baking sheet
  • 1 mixing bowls for dredging

Ingredients
  

Catfish Fillets

  • 4 catfish fillets

Cornmeal Coating

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Egg Wash

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
  • In a shallow dish, mix together cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
  • Dip each fillet in the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, then coat with the cornmeal mixture. Ensure the fillets are evenly covered.

Cooking

  • Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Arrange the coated fillets on the wire rack and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Serving

  • Transfer the baked catfish to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Storage

  • Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Pro Tips: Ensure the cornmeal mixture is well-seasoned to capture the best flavor profile.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
How to Serve: Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage & Freshness: Best consumed fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare coating mix ahead of time to save on prep time.
Keyword cornmeal crusted fish, crispy baked catfish, oven baked catfish