Fried Catfish Bites
Description: Dive into the crispy, golden delight of Fried Catfish Bites with this easy and mouthwatering recipe. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, these bites are seasoned to perfection and fried to a golden crisp. Ideal for a quick appetizer or a hearty snack, this dish brings the flavors of Southern comfort right to your table.
Ingredients:
- 2 catfish fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
Instructions:
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Season the Catfish: Start by rubbing the catfish fillets generously with hot sauce, salt, and pepper. This step infuses the fish with bold flavors. Allow the seasoned fillets to sit and absorb the flavors for at least 1 hour. This resting period is crucial as it helps the spices penetrate the fish.
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Prepare for Breading: After the resting time, cut the seasoned catfish fillets into bite-sized pieces. This makes them perfect for dipping and ensures they cook evenly.
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Dip in Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Dip each piece of catfish into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. The egg acts as a binder that helps the cornmeal stick to the fish.
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Coat with Cornmeal: Roll the egg-coated catfish pieces in cornmeal, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. The cornmeal gives the catfish a delightful crunch and a golden-brown finish.
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Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the catfish pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the catfish bites are golden brown and crispy.
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Drain and Serve: Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the catfish bites from the oil and drain them on paper towels. This step helps remove any excess oil, leaving you with a crispy, light bite.
Serving Suggestion: Serve these Fried Catfish Bites hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of coleslaw. They make a fantastic appetizer or a savory snack for any occasion.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 526.7
- Fat: 22.6g
- Saturated Fat: 5.4g
- Cholesterol: 265.1mg
- Sodium: 219.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 35.5g
- Fiber: 3.3g
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Protein: 43.7g
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Enjoy the satisfying crunch and flavorful kick of these Fried Catfish Bites, a delightful dish that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!
