Cajun Pecan-Crusted Catfish Delight
Bring the spirit of the local Catfish Festival to your dining table with this irresistible Cajun Pecan-Crusted Catfish Delight. This dish showcases tender catfish fillets enveloped in a crunchy, flavorful pecan crust, complemented by a hint of Cajun spice and a touch of lemon. It’s a perfect balance of Southern comfort and culinary flair, making it an extraordinary choice for gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for vibrant flavors. Serve it hot with your favorite sides for a delightful meal everyone will rave about!
6
Servings
367
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
catfish fillet
1 lb (cleaned and filleted)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin recommended)
cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon (Tony Chachere's or similar mix)
thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
pecans
1/3 cup (chopped)
parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
dry breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon (plain or seasoned)
parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Coat a shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Place the cleaned catfish fillets in the prepared pan and set aside.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and dried thyme until well combined.
5
Spoon or brush half of this flavorful mixture generously over the top of the catfish fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.
6
In another bowl, mix together the dry breadcrumbs, chopped pecans, grated Parmesan cheese, and the remaining half of the oil mixture until combined.
7
Carefully spread the pecan mixture over the fish fillets, pressing down lightly to adhere.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the fillets.
9
Once cooked, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley sprigs, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
23.3g
Fat
6.7g
Carbs
27.5g
Protein
1.3g
Fiber
0.3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun Pecan-Crusted Catfish Delight?
It is a Southern-style dish featuring tender catfish fillets coated in a crunchy pecan and Cajun-spiced crust, baked until golden and flaky.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for optimal baking results.
How long does the catfish need to bake?
The catfish should bake for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
What are the primary ingredients in the crust?
The crust consists of chopped pecans, dry breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 367 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of this dish?
There are 27.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it contains only 6.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of oil is recommended for the seasoning mix?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Can I use frozen catfish fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen fillets, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before preparation.
What specific Cajun seasoning is suggested?
Tony Chachere's or a similar Cajun spice mix works perfectly for this recipe.
How do I know when the catfish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried thyme?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 23.3 grams of fat.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
No, the recipe is very low in sugar, with only 0.3 grams per serving.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use either plain or seasoned dry breadcrumbs.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?
Coat your shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray before placing the fish in it.
What is the total count of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires 9 main ingredients.
Can I substitute pecans with another nut?
While pecans provide the traditional flavor, you could substitute them with chopped walnuts or almonds.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple preparation steps.
How much lemon juice is used?
One tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is used in the seasoning mixture.
What is the carbohydrate to fiber ratio?
There are 6.7 grams of carbohydrates and 1.3 grams of fiber per serving.
Should the pecans be finely or coarsely chopped?
The recipe specifies chopped pecans; a medium-fine chop helps them adhere better to the crust.
Is the Parmesan cheese fresh or grated?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Cajun, catfish, pecan, seafood, baked, southern cuisine, and healthy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served fresh from the oven to maintain the crunchiness of the pecan crust.
Does the recipe include sodium or cholesterol info?
The current nutrition data provided does not specify sodium or cholesterol levels.
Is this dish suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, it is described as an extraordinary choice for gatherings and festive occasions like the Catfish Festival.
How should I apply the pecan mixture?
Spread the mixture over the fillets and press down lightly to ensure it adheres to the fish.