Baked Cajun Catfish and Shrimp is a flavorful, spicy dish that combines tender catfish fillets and juicy shrimp, all coated in a bold Cajun seasoning and baked to perfection. This dish is a great way to enjoy a healthy seafood meal that’s packed with flavor without the need for frying. The Cajun spices give it a nice kick, while the baking method keeps the fish and shrimp moist and tender. It’s quick, easy, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Here’s how you can make it:
Baked Cajun Catfish and Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 2 catfish fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 lb (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade—recipe below)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Cajun Seasoning (if homemade):
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
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Prepare the Catfish and Shrimp:
- Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- If using large shrimp, you can leave the tails on for presentation, or remove them if preferred. Pat the shrimp dry as well.
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Season the Catfish and Shrimp:
- In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter) with the lemon juice.
- Drizzle this mixture over the catfish fillets and shrimp, making sure everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning mixture evenly over the catfish fillets and shrimp, rubbing it in gently with your hands to ensure the seasoning sticks.
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Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Place the seasoned catfish fillets in the center of the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange the shrimp around the catfish fillets in a single layer.
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Bake:
- Bake the catfish and shrimp in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is flaky and opaque, and the shrimp is pink and cooked through. (The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of the catfish fillets and size of the shrimp.)
- If you want the catfish and shrimp to have a slightly crispy top, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
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Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the seafood.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Baked Cajun Catfish and Shrimp with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For a Southern-inspired dinner, pair it with cornbread and collard greens.
- A drizzle of extra lemon juice or a side of creamy remoulade sauce would complement the spicy Cajun flavors beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cajun Catfish and Shrimp:
- Healthy and Flavorful: Baking the seafood helps retain its moisture while cutting down on fat from frying. The Cajun seasoning brings plenty of bold flavors without being overwhelming.
- Quick and Easy: This dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal or special weekend dinner.
- Customizable: If you don’t like too much spice, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and seasoning to your taste. You can even swap out the catfish for another white fish, such as tilapia, if you prefer.
This Baked Cajun Catfish and Shrimp is a satisfying and flavorful seafood dish that’s both healthy and delicious. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of heat, and the fish and shrimp remain tender and juicy. Enjoy!