Crispy Cajun Catfish Bites Recipe
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.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Crispy Cajun Catfish Bites, Catfish Recipe, Cajun Appetizer, Fried Catfish