Crispy, golden, and bursting with bold flavors, Cajun Fish Nuggets are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers. Made with tender pieces of firm white fish like cod or tilapia, these nuggets are marinated in buttermilk and seasoned with a zesty blend of Cajun spices, paprika, and garlic for an irresistible kick. The coating of cornmeal and flour ensures a crunchy exterior, while deep frying to perfection locks in their juicy goodness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or a fun appetizer for gatherings. Serve piping hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as spicy aioli or creamy tartar sauce, to elevate the experience. These delectable bites are a flavorful twist on classic fish dishes, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite!
Cut the fish fillets into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1.5 inches wide. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk with one beaten egg. Submerge the fish pieces in the buttermilk mixture and let them marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the breading.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to approximately 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil stays at that temperature for optimal frying.
Remove a few fish nuggets from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess liquid drip off. Coat each nugget thoroughly in the dry mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Shake off any excess coating.
Carefully place the coated fish nuggets into the hot oil in small batches, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Turn the nuggets occasionally for even cooking.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Repeat the breading and frying process until all the fish nuggets are cooked.
Serve the Cajun Fish Nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a spicy aioli, tartar sauce, or ranch dressing. Enjoy!
Calories |
5972 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 528.7 g | 678% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.1 g | 406% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 649 mg | 216% | |
| Sodium | 7046 mg | 306% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 212.1 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.0 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.7 g | ||
| Protein | 142.6 g | 285% | |
| Vitamin D | 30.3 mcg | 151% | |
| Calcium | 484 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 2387 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.