Southern Fried Catfish Nuggets
Dive into the irresistible crunch of Southern Fried Catfish Nuggets, a soul-satisfying dish that brings the essence of down-home cooking straight to your table. These bite-sized morsels of tender catfish are marinated in a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce blend, then coated in a perfectly seasoned mixture of cornmeal and spices for a flavorful, crispy crust with every bite. Golden-fried to perfection in hot oil, they’re a quick and easy treat ready in just 30 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or as a finger-friendly appetizer, these nuggets pair beautifully with tartar sauce, remoulade, or a fresh squeeze of lemon. Experience the classic taste of the South with this must-try recipe!
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Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds catfish fillets
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1.5 cups yellow cornmeal
- 0.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable oil
Directions
Step 1
Cut the catfish fillets into bite-sized nuggets, approximately 2 inches in size.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the catfish nuggets in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to marinate.
Step 3
In a shallow dish, mix together the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4
Remove the catfish nuggets from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each nugget in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Set aside on a plate.
Step 5
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small pinch of the breading in—it should sizzle and float to the surface.
Step 6
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the breaded catfish nuggets into the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the nuggets and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 7
Repeat with the remaining catfish nuggets.
Step 8
Serve the Southern Fried Catfish Nuggets hot, with your favorite dipping sauces like tartar sauce, remoulade, or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2394.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 9263.4 |
| Total Fat 881.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 135.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 538.6g | |
| Cholesterol 529.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3955.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 254.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 25.6g | |
| Protein 165.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 253.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 666.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 12.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3199.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories