Lemon-Butter Roasted Catfish Fillet: Simple & Delicious
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat10gram
Protein28gram
Ingredients
- Catfish fillets (fresh or thawed)4 pieces (approx. 150-180g each)
- Lemon (fresh, preferably organic)1 piece
- Unsalted butter2 tbsp
- Olive oil (extra virgin)1 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (minced)2 pieces
- Fresh parsley (chopped)2 tbsp
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
This Lemon-Butter Roasted Catfish Fillet recipe is perfect for home cooks looking for a simple, flavorful, and healthy fish dish. The catfish is roasted to tender perfection with a hint of fresh lemon and butter, making it a delightful dinner any night of the week. The recipe uses common supermarket ingredients and standard kitchen equipment, making it approachable and easy. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 (or €11, £9, ₹900) for 4 servings, with each serving containing around 250 kcal, making it a light, protein-rich meal. It's very easy to prepare and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Food safety is emphasized with the recommended internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for fully cooked fish.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the oven
1Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This helps the roasting process start immediately when the fish goes in and ensures a nice cooked texture.
Prepare the lemon and butter mixture
2Zest half the lemon and then juice the entire lemon. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, unsalted butter softened to room temperature, olive oil, and minced garlic. This mixture will add vibrant flavor to your catfish.
Season the catfish fillets
3Pat dry the catfish fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning stick better and ensures better roasting. Place the fillets in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly on both sides.
Apply the lemon-butter mixture
4Spoon the lemon-butter mixture evenly over each catfish fillet, making sure to coat the tops nicely. The fats will help keep the fish moist and infuse it with flavor.
Roast the catfish
5Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Roast for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.
Garnish and serve
6Once roasted, remove the catfish from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Optionally, add extra lemon slices on top for presentation and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Cooking Tips
1If you prefer, substitute unsalted butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
2Always check the freshness of fish before buying. Fresh catfish should have a mild scent, firm flesh, and moist appearance.
3Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw fish and other ingredients.
4If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, but fresh minced garlic gives better flavor.
5Cook catfish immediately after thawing if using frozen fillets. Do not refreeze.
Equipment needed:
- Oven
- Baking dish or baking sheet
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Paper towels
- Knife and cutting board
- Food thermometer (recommended)
Shopping List
- [ ] Catfish fillets (~4 pieces, 150-180g each) - Approx. $8.00. Choose firm, moist fillets with no fishy odor.
- [ ] Fresh lemon (1 piece) - Approx. $0.50. Look for firm lemons with bright yellow skin.
- [ ] Unsalted butter (2 tbsp) - Approx. $0.30. Use fresh butter for best flavor.
- [ ] Olive oil (1 tbsp) - Approx. $0.20. Extra virgin olive oil preferred.
- [ ] Garlic (2 cloves) - Approx. $0.10. Choose firm, plump cloves.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (small bunch) - Approx. $0.90. Look for bright green, crisp leaves.
- [ ] Salt & black pepper - Basic staples; cost negligible.
Total Approximate Cost: $10.00-$12.00 depending on local prices.
FAQ
How do I know when catfish is fully cooked?
Catfish is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F), the flesh is opaque, and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I use frozen catfish fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen fillets, but make sure to thaw them completely and cook immediately. Do not refreeze once thawed.
How can I avoid overcooking the fish?
Use a food thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and start checking at about 12 minutes of roasting to avoid drying out the fish.
Can I substitute lemon with lime?
Yes, lime can be used as a substitute and provides a similar citrus flavor.