Steamed Southern-Style Catfish with Herb Butter
A delicate and flavorful Southern-style steamed catfish preparation featuring a buttery herb sauce made with fresh parsley, thyme, and garlic. Cooked on the stovetop, this easy recipe highlights the tender texture of catfish complemented by aromatic herbs and a touch of lemon.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Herb Butter
Let’s make it
Herb Butter
Prepare the herb butter by mixing the softened unsalted butter with finely chopped fresh parsley, fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
Season the catfish fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
Add 240 milliliters of water to a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Place a steamer rack or heatproof plate inside the skillet above the water level. Arrange the seasoned catfish fillets on the steamer rack or plate. Place lemon slices on top of the fillets if using.
Cover the skillet with the lid and steam the catfish for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serving
Carefully remove the catfish from the steamer and place on serving plates. Spoon the prepared herb butter generously over each fillet while hot.
Serving
Garnish with additional fresh parsley or lemon slices if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips & notes
For the best flavor, use fresh herbs and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Be careful not to overcook the catfish; the fillets should remain moist and tender. If you don't have a steamer rack, use a heatproof plate and place small balls of foil underneath to raise the fish above the water level.
Saving it for later
Store leftover steamed catfish and herb butter separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Use leftovers within 3 days for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or steam briefly until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the catfish. Spoon additional melted herb butter over fillets after reheating for best flavor.
