Crispy Ranch Baked Fish Recipe Is on the Table in 20 Minutes Seafood Dinner Budget-friendly

Fish is a protein that is sometimes overlooked when planning dinner. But fish has health benefits and cooks up quickly on busy nights. This moist, crispy catfish recipe takes a swim in one of our favorite condiments – ranch dressing – before being oven-baked to golden perfection.

This seafood recipe starts by combining cornmeal, breadcrumbs, chili powder, paprika and garlic salt in a bowl. Season with a little black pepper, too. The catfish is dipped into the prepared ranch dressing and then into the cornmeal mixture. The breaded fish is baked in the oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown, flakey and crispy.

If catfish isn't your thing, you could substitute your favorite white fish, like flounder, haddock or tilapia. Serve this easy fish recipe with potatoes (french fries?), cole slaw or your favorite vegetable, side dish or salad. Char a few lemons to squeeze over the top for added freshness. You could even serve it with additional ranch dressing on the side.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound catfish fillets
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 cup ranch salad dressing

Here's how to make it: 

• Combine the cornmeal, breadcrumbs, chili powder, paprika and garlic salt. Season with black pepper, to taste. 
• Put the salad dressing into a bowl. Dip the fish into the dressing and then into the seasoning cornmeal mixture. Put the fish onto a baking pan that's been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. 
• Bake in a preheated 450-degree F oven for about 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily. 

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