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Catfish Nuggets

Bite-sized catfish pieces soaked in buttermilk and coated in seasoned cornmeal, then fried until golden and crisp.

25 minEasyServes 4420 cal/serving

SouthernDinnerStovetopPescatarianHigh ProteinHalal-friendlyNut-FreeShellfish-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeSesame-FreeSoy-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs catfish fillets, cubed
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak 2 lbs cubed catfish fillets in 1 cup buttermilk for 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Mix 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt in a shallow bowl.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F.

  4. 4

    Coat soaked catfish thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture.

  5. 5

    Fry catfish in batches for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.

  6. 6

    Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

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Questions

How long does Catfish Nuggets take?

As written, 25 minutes: 15 of prep and 10 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 1, 15 minutes.

How hot should the oil be for Catfish Nuggets?

For Catfish Nuggets, the frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 3. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy. The target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 5. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

How do I know when Catfish Nuggets is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. A reading of 145 F on a thermometer settles it.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk in Catfish Nuggets?

The entry for Catfish Nuggets calls for 1 cup buttermilk. In its place: Stir a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a cup of milk and let it stand five minutes. Plain yogurt thinned with milk also works.

Can I use a different white fish instead of the catfish in Catfish Nuggets?

Yes. Any firm white fish of similar thickness works: cod, haddock, pollock and halibut are interchangeable here. Timing follows thickness, not species. As written, the entry for Catfish Nuggets uses 2 lbs catfish fillets, cubed.

Can I make Catfish Nuggets dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Catfish Nuggets is 1 cup buttermilk. Swap the buttermilk for plant milk soured with a teaspoon of vinegar per cup. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Does Catfish Nuggets contain fish?

Yes: 2 lbs catfish fillets, cubed. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

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