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Crispy Cajun Catfish Bites Recipe

Crispy Cajun Catfish Bites Recipe

5.3 from 26 reviews

These Crispy Cajun Catfish Bites are a delightful dish that combines tender catfish pieces marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful Cajun-seasoned breading. Perfect for a snack or appetizer, these bites are fried to golden perfection, offering a crunchy exterior with moist and flavorful catfish inside. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley for a delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Catfish Bites:

  • 1 pound catfish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional:

  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Fish: In a medium bowl, soak the catfish pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the fish and infuse flavor.
  2. Prepare the Breading: In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of the breading into it; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
  4. Bread the Fish: Remove the catfish from the buttermilk and allow any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour-cornmeal mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated. Shake off any excess breading.
  5. Fry the Catfish Bites: Carefully add a few pieces of breaded catfish to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked catfish bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  6. Serve: Arrange the crispy Cajun catfish bites on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crispy Cajun Catfish Bites, Catfish Recipe, Cajun Appetizer, Fried Catfish