Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets

Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

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

Introduction

Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried catfish. These nuggets are coated in a flavorful mixture of parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then baked to crispy perfection. Paired with a tangy homemade tartar sauce, these catfish nuggets are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Catfish is a popular dish in Southern cuisine, often fried and served with hush puppies and coleslaw. This recipe takes a healthier approach by baking the catfish nuggets instead of frying them, reducing the amount of oil and calories in the dish while still maintaining a crispy and flavorful coating.

Ingredients

vegetable oil or cooking spray
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.5 cup plain, dry panko breadcrumbs
0.25 tsp garlic powder
dash white pepper
0.33 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
4 farm-raised catfish fillets
1 tsp Chef Q For Hire

Homemade tartar sauce

1 cup light mayonnaise
1 tsp dijon-style mustard
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
1 tbsp chopped, drained sweet pickle or chopped, drained capers (optional)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Coat a baking sheet with vegetable oil or cooking spray, making sure to coat it thoroughly.
In a shallow dish, combine the cheese, bread crumbs, garlic powder, Half Chef Q Season All, and white pepper.
In another dish, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil.
Roll the catfish nuggets in beaten egg whites, then roll them in the cheese mixture.
Dust the nuggets with paprika and lightly spray them with cooking spray.
Place the catfish on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes.
Reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily.
Serve the catfish nuggets with homemade tartar sauce.

Homemade tartar sauce

Combine all the ingredients and blend well.
Serve the tartar sauce with crispy baked catfish nuggets.

Variations

Try using different seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture, such as Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning, for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the catfish fillets with another type of white fish, such as tilapia or cod, for a variation on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly coat the baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent the catfish nuggets from sticking.

- Rolling the catfish nuggets in beaten egg whites before coating them in the cheese mixture helps the coating adhere better to the fish.

- Spraying the nuggets with cooking spray before baking helps them crisp up in the oven.

- Be sure to check the internal temperature of the catfish to ensure it is fully cooked before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets with a side of coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the catfish nuggets instead of frying them helps reduce the amount of oil and calories in the dish while still achieving a crispy coating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have parmesan cheese, you can use cheddar or mozzarella cheese instead.

- You can use panko breadcrumbs instead of plain breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier coating.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the breadcrumb mixture and homemade tartar sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. The catfish nuggets can also be breaded and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing beer for a delicious seafood meal.

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 until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

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 dairy (parmesan cheese) and eggs. It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Summary

Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets are a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. They are lower in calories and fat compared to traditional fried catfish, making them a healthier option for seafood lovers.

Summary

Crispy Baked Catfish Nuggets are a healthier alternative to traditional fried catfish, with a crispy coating and flavorful seasoning. Paired with a tangy homemade tartar sauce, these catfish nuggets are a delicious and satisfying seafood dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha at her lake house. We had spent the morning out on the water, fishing and soaking up the sun. As we cleaned our catch, Martha shared with me her secret for making the most delicious crispy baked catfish nuggets.

Martha's recipe was simple yet full of flavor. She explained to me that the key to making the catfish nuggets crispy was to coat them in a mixture of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and seasonings before baking them in the oven. I was intrigued and couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

Back at home, I gathered all the ingredients I needed to make the crispy baked catfish nuggets. I carefully followed Martha's instructions, coating each piece of catfish in the seasoned cornmeal mixture before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

As the catfish nuggets baked in the oven, I could smell the delicious aroma filling my kitchen. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When I pulled the crispy nuggets out of the oven, they were golden brown and perfectly crispy. I took a bite and was immediately hooked. The catfish was tender and flaky on the inside, with a crunchy coating that was seasoned to perfection.

From that day on, Martha's recipe for crispy baked catfish nuggets became a staple in my kitchen. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Everyone who tried them raved about how delicious they were, and I was always happy to share the recipe with anyone who asked.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to Martha's original recipe, adding my own touch with different seasonings and spices. I have also passed the recipe down to my children and grandchildren, who have all fallen in love with the crispy baked catfish nuggets, just like I did.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the many recipes I have collected and perfected over the years, I am grateful for the friendships and experiences that have led me to discover new and delicious dishes. Martha's crispy baked catfish nuggets will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy of stumbling upon a hidden gem in the world of cooking.

And so, I will continue to share this recipe with those I love, passing on the tradition of crispy baked catfish nuggets for generations to come. Cooking has always been a source of joy and creativity for me, and I am grateful for the memories and flavors that have enriched my life.