My Dad’s favorite pastime as a kid was being on a lake fishing and his favorite fish to catch was catfish. Notably, an 8-pound catfish was his largest catch. That fish filled a whole cooler. Fried catfish was my sister and Mom’s favorite so if the weather was not too hot, hence fishing for catfish it was. Fast forward…So, I surprised my husband one night with brown sugar pepper coated Bacon-Wrapped Catfish Fillets. It’s that slightly salty, slightly sweet thing going on.
Bacon-Wrapped Catfish Fillets
Unfortunately I am allergic to fresh fish except farm raised salmon yet I’m able to consume shellfish. Go figure…I’ve had this issue since I was a kid. I would barricade myself in my room so I could not smell frying fish. Today, I do prepare fish for my husband so everything other than salmon is on his recommendation. Hey, he’s my resident taste tester anyway (laugh). And believe me he definitely lets me know when something is not good and I shouldn’t share.
Bacon-Wrapped Catfish Fillets
Such an easy recipe for those evenings rushing to get dinner on the table. I have even prepared the fish the night before and all I have to do is let the dish warm up 20 minutes before putting it in a hot oven. You do not want to break your dish.
Combine brown sugar, black and cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika and coat each fillet. Wrap catfish in bacon and place on a baking sheet. Do not use ceramic or glass because the last few minutes the fish is finished under the broiler. Ceramic and glass can break under such high direct heat. I would not want you to ruin your dinner as that would be heart-breaking.
Bacon-Wrapped Catfish Fillets
Seasons may change but good food does not. Serve the fish like I did with mixed vegetables but a nice green salad works just as well. Have a great start to your work week and enjoy. Hashtag chowdownlowdown or leave me a comment on this recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Catfish Fillets
4 – 6 oz. fresh catfish fillets
8 slices applewood smoked bacon
1 T. light brown sugar
1 t. smoked paprika
1/2 t. ground black pepper
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
Freshly minced parsley, for garnish (optional)
Heat oven to 400 degrees and spray a large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or cover with non-stick foil.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne to make seasoning mix. Sprinkle each fish fillet with seasoning mix.
Wrap each fillet with 2 slices of bacon, holding together with toothpicks if needed.
Place fish fillets on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
Turn oven to broil at 500 degrees. Place fish under broiler to crisp bacon, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Makes 4 servings.
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