Fried Catfish Fingers with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Fried Catfish Fingers with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe - USA

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

Introduction

Fried catfish fingers with spicy dipping sauce is a delicious and crispy dish that is perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends. The combination of the crunchy catfish fingers and the tangy dipping sauce is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

Fried catfish is a popular dish in the southern United States, where catfish is abundant in rivers and lakes. The tradition of frying catfish can be traced back to African American and Native American culinary traditions, where frying was a common cooking method. The addition of a spicy dipping sauce adds a modern twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

Fried catfish fingers

2 cups white cornmeal
salt and freshly ground black pepper
U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets, cut into 1-inch wide strips
peanut oil for deep frying

Spicy dipping sauce

0.75 cup white wine vinegar
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Fried catfish fingers

To prepare the catfish, place cornmeal in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper. Dredge catfish strips in the cornmeal mixture, shaking off the excess. Set aside on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
Pour 2 inches of peanut oil into a deep fryer or large, heavy skillet and heat it to 375°F (191°C) using a deep-frying thermometer. Add catfish strips to the hot oil, three at a time, and fry them in a single layer for 5 minutes. Turn them over to ensure even cooking until they turn golden brown and the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Drain the fried catfish on paper towels and lightly sprinkle with salt.

Spicy dipping sauce

Prepare the dipping sauce 1 minute before serving the catfish fingers. In a small bowl, mix vinegar, salt, pepper, shallot, garlic, green onions, and parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

Variations

Use a different type of fish, such as tilapia or cod, in place of catfish.
Add Cajun seasoning or hot sauce to the cornmeal mixture for a spicier coating.
Serve the catfish fingers with a creamy tartar sauce instead of the spicy dipping sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the cornmeal mixture well to ensure that the catfish fingers are flavorful.

- Fry the catfish fingers in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fish.

- Drain the fried catfish on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.

- Serve the catfish fingers with the spicy dipping sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the fish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fried catfish fingers with spicy dipping sauce alongside coleslaw, hush puppies, and a cold beer for a classic southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Deep frying the catfish fingers results in a crispy and golden brown coating.

- Dredging the catfish in seasoned cornmeal before frying adds flavor and texture to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use yellow cornmeal or a mixture of cornmeal and flour in place of white cornmeal.

- Substitute vegetable oil or canola oil for peanut oil if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can dredge the catfish fingers in the cornmeal mixture ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry.

- The spicy dipping sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fried catfish fingers on a platter lined with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish. - Arrange the catfish fingers on a bed of lettuce or cabbage for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the fried catfish fingers with a side of creamy coleslaw and cornbread for a complete meal.

- Serve the dish with a cold glass of sweet tea or a refreshing lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fried catfish fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the catfish fingers in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fried catfish fingers with spicy dipping sauce contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fried catfish fingers with spicy dipping sauce contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of fried catfish fingers with spicy dipping sauce contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of fried catfish fingers with spicy dipping sauce contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Fried catfish is a good source of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium. The cornmeal coating provides some iron and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish (catfish) and may contain allergens such as gluten (from the cornmeal) and garlic.

Summary

Fried catfish fingers with spicy dipping sauce is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein and healthy fats. The cornmeal coating adds some carbohydrates for energy.

Summary

Fried catfish fingers with spicy dipping sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion. The crispy catfish fingers paired with the tangy dipping sauce create a delicious combination that is sure to please everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that my mother had passed down to me. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and stained pieces of paper, my eyes landed on a recipe for Fried Catfish Fingers with Spicy Dipping Sauce.

I remembered the first time I tried this dish. I was a young girl visiting my aunt in Louisiana. She took me to a local fish market where we picked out fresh catfish, and then we headed back to her kitchen to cook up a feast. The smell of the catfish frying in hot oil and the tangy aroma of the spicy dipping sauce filled the air, and I was instantly hooked.

I watched my aunt as she expertly seasoned the catfish fingers with a blend of spices and dipped them in a light cornmeal batter before dropping them into the sizzling oil. The catfish cooked to a golden brown perfection, and when we sat down to eat, I couldn't get enough of the crispy, flavorful fish paired with the zesty dipping sauce.

After that visit, I begged my aunt to share her recipe with me, but she insisted that I learn to make it on my own. She told me that the key to a great dish is in the process of learning and experimenting, and that each cook puts their own unique spin on a recipe.

So, armed with my aunt's guidance and a determination to recreate the delicious Fried Catfish Fingers with Spicy Dipping Sauce, I set out to master the dish. I practiced tirelessly, tweaking the recipe here and there until I found the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Over the years, I've shared this recipe with friends and family, and it has become a staple at gatherings and celebrations. Each time I make it, I think back to that summer day in Louisiana and the lessons my aunt taught me about the joy of cooking and the power of sharing food with loved ones.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will find as much joy in making it as I have. Remember to take your time, savor the process, and don't be afraid to put your own twist on the dish. Cooking is an art form, a way of expressing love and creativity, and I know that with each batch of Fried Catfish Fingers with Spicy Dipping Sauce you make, you will be carrying on a tradition that is near and dear to my heart.

So go ahead, preheat the oil, season the catfish, and whip up that spicy dipping sauce. Let the aromas of the kitchen fill your home and the flavors of the dish transport you to that sunny afternoon in Louisiana. And remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe - it's about creating memories and sharing them with those you love. Happy cooking, my dear grandchild.