Catfish Poppers with Spicy Dipping Sauce
Dive into irresistible flavor with these crispy Catfish Poppers with Spicy Dipping Sauce! Perfectly seasoned and coated in a crunchy blend of cornmeal, paprika, and cayenne, these bite-sized catfish nuggets are golden-fried to perfection for the ultimate seafood snack. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce, the catfish is tender and packed with zesty flavor in every bite. Paired with a creamy, fiery dipping sauce made from sriracha, honey, and a splash of fresh lemon juice, this dish is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or fun party treat. Ready in just 30 minutes, these catfish poppers are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or a quick weeknight indulgence. Serve them hot for the perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and savory goodness!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb Catfish fillets
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 tbsp Hot sauce
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 4 cups Vegetable oil
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Sriracha or hot sauce of choice
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
Instructions
Slice the catfish fillets into bite-sized pieces about 1 to 2 inches wide.
In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the catfish pieces and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for consistent frying.
Remove the catfish pieces from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
Fry the catfish poppers in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
To make the spicy dipping sauce, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl until well combined. Adjust the spiciness to your taste by adding more sriracha, if desired.
Serve the catfish poppers hot with the spicy dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2471 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 237.6 g | 305% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.2 g | 176% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 134.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 78 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 1132 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 74.2 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.1 g | ||
| Protein | 28.3 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.8 mcg | 29% | |
| Calcium | 101 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 582 mg | 12% | |
*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.
