Crispy Fried Catfish Nuggets
Get ready to savor the ultimate Southern-inspired delicacy with these irresistible Crispy Fried Catfish Nuggets! Perfectly seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, these bite-sized nuggets are marinated in tangy buttermilk and a hint of hot sauce for extra tenderness and zest. Coated in a crispy cornmeal and flour mixture, then fried to golden perfection, these nuggets boast a crunchy exterior that gives way to juicy, flaky catfish in every bite. Quick to prepare and ready in just 35 minutes, they’re the ideal crowd-pleaser for game day, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. Serve them hot with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce for a dish that’s comforting, crispy, and packed with bold Southern flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb catfish fillets
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
Cut the catfish fillets into bite-sized nuggets, approximately 1.5-2 inches in size.
In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the catfish nuggets to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for more flavor.
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the catfish nuggets from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Dredge the catfish pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Set the coated pieces aside on a plate.
Heat the vegetable oil in a 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.
Working in batches, carefully lower the catfish nuggets into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will reduce the oil temperature.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried catfish nuggets to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2283 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 216.7 g | 278% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.9 g | 165% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 134.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 74 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 849 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 72.0 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.7 g | ||
| Protein | 30.2 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 174 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 683 mg | 15% | |
*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.
