Spicy Oven Baked Catfish

Turn up the heat in your kitchen with this Spicy Oven Baked Catfish recipe! Perfectly seasoned with a bold blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, and thyme, these tender catfish fillets deliver just the right amount of smoky, zesty flavor. Brushed with olive oil for a light, crispy finish, and brightened with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, this dish is a deliciously healthy option that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking for a quick, flavorful dinner idea, this easy baked catfish pairs beautifully with sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Garnish with parsley for a touch of freshness and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy goodness. Try this high-protein, low-carb recipe for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces catfish fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 whole lemon
• 2 tablespoons parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2

Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Brush each catfish fillet evenly with olive oil on both sides.

Step 5

Sprinkle the spice mixture generously over both sides of the catfish fillets, ensuring an even coating.

Step 6

Slice the lemon in half. Squeeze half the lemon over the fillets, reserving the other half for serving.

Step 7

Bake the catfish in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the catfish from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Step 9

Serve hot with additional lemon wedges on the side. Pair with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(501.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	725.7

Total Fat 40.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 280mg	0%
Sodium 1389.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 13.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.3g	0%
Total Sugars 2.0g
Protein 76.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 93.9mg	0%
Iron 3.3mg	0%
Potassium 1451.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.5%

Protein: 42.0%

Carbs: 7.4%