Recipe by Jennifer Chandler

While many think of frying or blackening catfish, one of my favorite ways to prepare it is baking. This mild, white fish cooks so quickly – making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. A simple lemon butter sauce made from items you most likely have on hand elevates the dish.

Ingredients

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
Dash red pepper flakes
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
4 Delta Pride catfish fillets
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 to 6 lemon slices, thinly sliced
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice and lemon zest; set aside.

  3. Season the catfish with salt and pepper to taste. Place the fish in a single layer into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Scatter the lemon slices over the top of the fish. Spoon the lemon butter mixture over the stop of the fish.

  4. Bake until the fish cooked through and easily flakes with a fork, about 10 to 12 minutes.

  5. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.

Serves 4