Recipe by Jennifer Chandler
Crispy fried fish is a staple in the South. But let’s all be honest, sometimes on busy weeknights, we want to have the crispy-crusted fish without having to deal with the mess of frying. I have found that panko bread crumbs seasoned with a little Southern spice can give a piece of baked fish a crispy coating that makes all of the fried fish lovers at my dinner table happy. Plus, it’s a healthier option than traditional frying.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 catfish fillets
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Lemon wedges (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the bread crumbs, Parmesan, paprika, and Creole seasoning in a shallow bowl and whisk to combine.
- Brush the mayonnaise on both sides of the fish. Generously season with salt and pepper. Dredge the fish through the bread crumb mixture, evenly coating on all sides. Place the fish on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until golden brown and cooked through, about 20 minutes. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
Serves 4