A delightful twist on a classic dish, this recipe features catfish fillets coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, baked to perfection.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Ensure your oven is fully preheated to achieve even cooking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, flour, pepper, and paprika.
Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
Pour the milk into a shallow dish.
Use a shallow dish to make dipping the fillets easier.
Dip each catfish fillet into the milk, ensuring it's fully coated.
Shake off any excess milk before moving to the next step.
Dredge the milk-coated fillets in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Ensure an even coating for a consistent crust.
Place the coated fillets onto a baking dish.
Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Drizzle the melted butter over the fillets.
Drizzling butter enhances the flavor and helps with browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Check the fish at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Serve the fillets hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a wedge of lemon if desired.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.