If you’re craving a bold, zesty dinner that’s big on taste and low on hassle, this Spicy Baked Cajun Catfish and Shrimp is calling your name. It’s a flavor-packed sheet pan dinner that brings together flaky catfish, succulent shrimp, and vibrant veggies—all seasoned to perfection with a fiery Cajun kick.

Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this meal delivers Southern-style comfort without deep frying or complicated prep. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a nutritious, protein-rich dinner bursting with flavor and ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

✅ One-pan wonder—easy cleanup
✅ Loaded with protein and fresh veggies
✅ Bold Cajun flavor with a touch of heat
✅ Healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free
✅ Totally customizable with your favorite fish or veggies

This recipe is great for home cooks who love bold, spicy meals but want something lighter and baked, not fried. It’s also a great way to add more seafood to your diet without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Main Dish:

• 4 catfish fillets (or use tilapia, cod, or snapper)

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 red onion, diced

🧂 Tip: Look for wild-caught catfish or sustainably sourced shrimp for the best flavor and environmental impact.

Equipment Needed

• Large baking sheet

• Parchment paper or foil (optional for easier cleanup)

• Small mixing bowl (for melted butter)

• Knife and cutting board

• Tongs or spatula

How to Make Spicy Baked Cajun Catfish and Shrimp

🔹 1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.

🔹 2. Season the Seafood

Place the catfish fillets and shrimp on the baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with Cajun seasoning. Flip them once to coat both sides.

🔥 Want extra heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the oil before drizzling.

🔹 3. Add the Veggies

Scatter the bell peppers and red onion around the seafood. Add lemon slices for brightness.

Drizzle everything—including the vegetables—with melted butter for a golden, rich finish.

🔹 4. Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the catfish is flaky and the shrimp are pink and opaque. The vegetables should be tender but still slightly crisp.

How to Serve It

Serve this dish hot, straight from the sheet pan. It pairs beautifully with:

🍚 Steamed jasmine or dirty rice
🥦 Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
🥗 A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
🥖 Crusty French bread to mop up the buttery juices

🍋 Pro Tip: Squeeze more fresh lemon juice over the fish and shrimp just before serving to enhance the zest.

Make It Your Way: Variations & Substitutions

🎣 Swap the fish: Try it with salmon, mahi mahi, or cod if catfish isn’t your thing.
🧄 Add garlic: Toss in a few minced garlic cloves for even more depth.
🍤 Just shrimp? Double the shrimp and skip the fish for a quick shrimp bake.
🌶️ Vegetable swaps: Use zucchini, grape tomatoes, asparagus, or mushrooms.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently warm in the oven at 325°F or in a skillet over medium heat.
Freezer: This dish is best fresh—freezing may affect the texture of the fish and veggies.

🧊 Pro Tip: If you must freeze, remove the vegetables and freeze the fish and shrimp only. Reheat with freshly sautéed veggies later.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes! Prep the fish, shrimp, and veggies on the pan, cover, and refrigerate. Then bake when ready.

Q: Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
A: It has a mild to medium kick. Adjust to your heat preference, or make your own blend with less cayenne.

Q: Can I cook this in an air fryer?
A: Yes, in batches. Cook at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 350

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 18g

• Carbs: 12g (mostly from veggies)

• Fiber: 3g

💪 This meal is naturally low in carbs, rich in protein, and packed with antioxidant-rich vegetables.

Spice Up Your Dinner Routine! 🌶️🐟🦐

This Spicy Baked Cajun Catfish and Shrimp is everything a good weeknight dinner should be—fast, flavorful, and full of life. With juicy shrimp, flaky catfish, and that buttery Cajun seasoning, every bite is a little celebration.

✨ If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and family and be sure to subscribe to the blog for more Southern-inspired favorites and flavorful meal ideas. ✨

Happy cooking, y’all!