Catfish Nuggets with Champagne Mustard Sauce

Catfish Nuggets with Champagne Mustard Sauce Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Catfish nuggets with Champagne mustard sauce is a delicious and crispy dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. The combination of crunchy cornmeal coating and tangy mustard sauce makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.

History

Catfish nuggets have been a popular dish in the southern United States for many years. The crispy coating and tender fish inside make it a favorite among seafood lovers. The addition of Champagne mustard sauce adds a gourmet touch to this classic dish.

Ingredients

0.5 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp dried oregano, crumbled
0.5 cup milk
1 egg
2 lb (907 g) U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets, cut into 1 inch nuggets
vegetable oil for deep frying
champagne mustard sauce (recipe follows)

Champagne mustard sauce

0.5 cup sugar
0.33 cup dry mustard
0.33 cup champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
2 egg yolks

How to prepare

In a shallow dish or on a piece of wax paper, mix cornmeal, salt, and oregano.
In another shallow dish, mix milk and egg.
Dip catfish nuggets into the milk mixture, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, tossing to coat.
Fill a large skillet halfway with vegetable oil and heat to 350°F (177°C) using a deep-frying thermometer.
Add nuggets to the hot oil and fry, working in batches, until golden brown, turning to cook evenly on all sides.
Drain on paper towels.
Serve immediately with Champagne mustard sauce for dipping.

Champagne mustard sauce

In a small, heavy saucepan, mix sugar and mustard.
Stir in vinegar and egg yolks.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wire whisk, for 10 minutes or until thickened.
Remove from the heat.
Transfer to a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate until chilled.
Before serving, let stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Variations

Substitute the catfish with another type of white fish, such as cod or tilapia.
Use a different type of mustard, such as Dijon or whole grain, for a unique flavor.
Add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to the cornmeal coating for extra heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the catfish fillets into uniform-sized nuggets to ensure even cooking.

- Use a deep-frying thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and prevent the nuggets from becoming greasy.

- Drain the fried nuggets on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.

- Serve the nuggets immediately with the chilled Champagne mustard sauce for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Catfish nuggets with Champagne mustard sauce can be served with a side of coleslaw, hush puppies, or French fries for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying the catfish nuggets ensures a crispy and golden brown exterior.

- Chilling the mustard sauce before serving allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious dipping sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Champagne vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.

- Instead of cornmeal, you can use breadcrumbs or panko for the coating.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Champagne mustard sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. The catfish nuggets can be breaded and refrigerated for up to an hour before frying.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the catfish nuggets on a platter with a bowl of Champagne mustard sauce in the center for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Catfish nuggets with Champagne mustard sauce pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a sparkling water or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover catfish nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of catfish nuggets with Champagne mustard sauce contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of catfish nuggets with Champagne mustard sauce contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of catfish nuggets with Champagne mustard sauce contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of catfish nuggets with Champagne mustard sauce contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Catfish is a good source of vitamins B12 and D, as well as minerals like selenium and phosphorus.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish, eggs, and mustard, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Catfish nuggets with Champagne mustard sauce is a high-protein dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. However, it is also high in fats and carbohydrates, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Catfish nuggets with Champagne mustard sauce is a flavorful and crispy dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of crunchy coating and tangy sauce makes it a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides and a glass of wine for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Catfish Nuggets with Champagne Mustard Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in the countryside. Margaret was known for her exquisite taste in food and her love for experimenting with new recipes. On that particular day, she had planned a special lunch for us, and I was eager to see what she had in store.

As I stepped into Margaret's cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of herbs and spices. She was busy at the stove, carefully frying up some golden-brown catfish nuggets. The sizzle of the hot oil and the tantalizing smell of the fish made my mouth water.

"Come on in, dear," Margaret called out with a smile. "I'm just putting the finishing touches on our lunch."

I eagerly took a seat at the kitchen table and watched as Margaret expertly plated the catfish nuggets. She then drizzled a generous amount of Champagne Mustard Sauce over the crispy fish, adding a touch of elegance to the dish.

I couldn't wait to dig in, and as soon as Margaret handed me a plate, I took my first bite. The catfish was perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful, and the Champagne Mustard Sauce added a tangy sweetness that complemented the fish beautifully.

"This is absolutely delicious, Margaret," I exclaimed, my mouth still full of food.

Margaret beamed with pride. "I'm glad you like it, dear. This recipe has been a favorite of mine for years. Would you like me to write it down for you?"

I nodded eagerly, knowing that this was a recipe I had to add to my collection. Margaret rummaged through her stack of cookbooks and handed me a worn, stained piece of paper. The handwritten recipe for Catfish Nuggets with Champagne Mustard Sauce was simple yet detailed, with instructions on how to prepare the catfish, make the sauce, and serve the dish.

As I read through the recipe, I couldn't help but marvel at how Margaret had acquired it. She explained that she had learned to make this dish from a French chef she had met during her travels to Paris many years ago. The chef had graciously shared the recipe with her, and Margaret had since perfected it through trial and error in her own kitchen.

I was inspired by Margaret's story and her passion for cooking. I knew that I had to recreate this dish for my family and friends, and share the joy of good food with them. Over the years, I made the Catfish Nuggets with Champagne Mustard Sauce countless times, adapting and tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences.

Each time I made the dish, I would think of Margaret and the special day we had shared in her kitchen. The memory of that delicious meal lingered in my mind, a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that good food can bring.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing the Catfish Nuggets with Champagne Mustard Sauce for my loved ones, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary adventures that have enriched my life. This recipe, with its blend of flavors and memories, is a testament to the power of food to connect us, inspire us, and bring us joy.

I hope that one day, my grandchildren will stumble upon this recipe and experience the same delight and wonder that I did. And who knows, perhaps they too will be inspired to explore the world of cooking, one delicious dish at a time.