Looking to jazz up your weeknight dinner routine? The Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish is a refreshing, flavor-packed dish that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious. With its vibrant citrus zing, aromatic herbs, and ultra-tender catfish fillets, this recipe feels like sunshine on a plate. Not only is it quick to prepare, but its simple ingredients make it approachable for any cook—yet the results are impressive enough to wow guests or treat yourself to a special supper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to unlocking the lively flavors of Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish. Each component brings something unique, from brightness and fragrance to the perfect savory backdrop—here’s how they all work together to make this dish sing.
- Catfish fillets: Fresh, mild, and tender, they’re the perfect foundation for soaking up citrus and herbs.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps carry all the flavors through each bite.
- Lemon juice: Offers a burst of tangy freshness that balances the richness of the fish.
- Orange juice: Brings a subtle, sweet citrus note that makes the flavor profile extra dynamic.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon aroma for a bright and sunny finish.
- Orange zest: Contributes fragrant oils, amplifying the orange’s naturally sweet notes without overwhelming the dish.
- Garlic, minced: Gives a gentle, savory kick that rounds out the citrus and herbs beautifully.
- Dried thyme: Adds a woodsy, earthy depth to the mix.
- Dried parsley: Offers freshness and a pop of color, both on the plate and on the palate.
- Salt: Elevates all the other flavors, making them shine.
- Black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and complexity to the herbal notes.
- Lemon and orange slices for garnish: Not only do they look stunning, but they also add a hint of extra citrus essence as the fish bakes.
How to Make Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F so it’s fully heated and ready to transform your fillets into something extraordinary. Take a baking dish and give it a light coating of oil or nonstick spray to prevent any sticking or fuss when serving.
Step 2: Mix the Citrus & Herb Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, lemon zest, orange zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This fragrant marinade is the secret to infusing your catfish with layers of bright citrus and aromatic herbs in every mouthful.
Step 3: Arrange the Catfish and Spoon on Flavor
Lay the catfish fillets in your prepared baking dish in a single layer. Generously spoon the citrus and herb mixture over every fillet, making sure they’re all well coated. Take a few extra moments to nestle some lemon and orange slices directly on top—these will both flavor the fish and make it look gorgeous when served.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the oven and let those delightful aromas fill your kitchen! Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know the Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish is ready when the fillets turn opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
When the fish emerges perfectly cooked, let it rest for just a couple of minutes—this helps preserve its juiciness. Top with fresh herbs or an extra sprinkle of citrus zest if you’d like an extra pop of color and fragrance before serving.
How to Serve Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish
Garnishes
This dish shines with an extra flourish of fresh parsley, thyme, or even a touch more lemon and orange zest scattered on top. For special occasions, a few well-placed citrus wheels on the side of the plate make every serving look restaurant-worthy and lively.
Side Dishes
The bright, savory notes of Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish are beautifully complemented by some simple sides. I love pairing it with fluffy steamed rice, a garlicky sauteed green (like asparagus or spinach), or a crisp salad with a light vinaigrette. These allow the main dish to be the star while rounding out your meal for perfect balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try serving individual fillets atop a bed of citrus-infused quinoa or alongside colorful roasted vegetables. Another playful option is to flake the baked catfish and stuff it into warm tortillas with cabbage slaw and avocado for sunshine-bright fish tacos that thrill every palate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish at its best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making for a just-as-tasty lunch the next day. Enjoy within two days for the freshest taste and perfect texture.
Freezing
If you need to save some catfish for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. The vibrant citrus flavors hold up well to freezing for up to 1 month—just thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes. This helps maintain the delicate texture and prevents the fillets from drying out. A little splash of fresh citrus juice over the top after reheating brightens the flavors all over again, almost like new.
FAQs
What if I can’t find catfish? Can I substitute another fish?
Absolutely! This recipe works delightfully with other mild white fish like tilapia, cod, or swai. Just adjust baking time if your fillets are much thinner or thicker.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Fresh herbs are a wonderful swap—just triple the amount called for, since their flavor isn’t as concentrated. Finely chop and scatter them over the fillets before baking for an even more aromatic result.
Does this dish work on the grill?
Yes, Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish is grill-friendly! Place the seasoned fillets on a sheet of foil or in a grill basket and cook over medium heat until they’re opaque and flaky, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
How do I keep the catfish from drying out?
The citrus marinade helps lock in moisture, but don’t overbake. Pull the fish from the oven as soon as it’s opaque and just flakes with a fork—resting briefly before serving also keeps it juicy.
Is Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Make a batch for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors stay lively in the fridge, and the fillets taste great cold atop salads or warmed up with your favorite grain.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood to brighten your dinner table, you won’t go wrong with Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish. It’s a dish that bursts with freshness and really lets simple, wholesome ingredients shine. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding this citrusy catfish recipe can be!
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Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and aromatic recipe for Citrus & Herb Oven-Baked Catfish that is simple to prepare and bursting with zesty citrus flavors. The catfish fillets are marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, orange, garlic, and herbs, then baked to perfection for a light and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 catfish fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- lemon and orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, lemon zest, orange zest, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the catfish: Place the catfish fillets in the baking dish and spoon the citrus herb mixture evenly over each. Add lemon and orange slices on top.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until the catfish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven, let rest, and garnish with herbs or citrus zest before serving.
Notes
- This dish goes well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.
- For extra flavor, squeeze fresh citrus juice over the fish before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
