Crispy Cashew-Crusted Catfish
Indulge in this delectable Crispy Cashew-Crusted Catfish recipe that beautifully melds the rich flavors of seasoned catfish fillets with the delightful crunch of roasted cashews. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, promising to impress your family or guests. Serve it with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty finish and enjoy a heart-healthy meal that's both satisfying and flavorful.
2
Servings
245
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
egg
1 (beaten)
water
1 tablespoon (none)
powdered milk (instant)
2 tablespoons (none)
cashews, chopped
3/4 cup (chopped)
catfish fillet
3/4 lb (cut into 2 fillets)
butter
1 tablespoon (none)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, fresh ground pepper, and dried basil to create a seasoned flour mixture.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, water, and instant powdered milk until well combined to create a wet batter.
3
Place the chopped cashews on another plate for easy coating.
4
Take each catfish fillet and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Then, dip the floured fillet into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
5
Roll the fillet in the chopped cashews, pressing gently to help them adhere to the fish.
6
In a nonstick skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until hot.
7
Carefully place the coated catfish fillets in the skillet and fry for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Turn the fillets gently to avoid breaking the crust.
8
Once cooked, remove the catfish from the skillet and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, citrusy touch.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
15g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Cashew-Crusted Catfish?
It is a heart-healthy seafood dish where catfish fillets are coated in a seasoned flour and chopped cashew crust, then fried until golden and crispy.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 245 calories, 12g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 17.5g of protein.
What ingredients are needed for the seasoned flour mixture?
You will need 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
How do I prepare the wet batter for the fish?
Whisk together one beaten egg, 1 tablespoon of water, and 2 tablespoons of instant powdered milk.
What kind of nuts are used for the crust?
This recipe uses 3/4 cup of chopped cashews to create the crispy outer layer.
What is the recommended cooking method?
The catfish fillets are fried in a nonstick skillet using a combination of butter and olive oil.
How long should I cook the catfish fillets?
Fry the fillets for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
What heat setting should I use for frying?
The recipe recommends heating the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
How do I ensure the cashew coating sticks to the fish?
Dredge the fish in flour first, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally roll in the chopped cashews while pressing gently to help them adhere.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is best served immediately with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy finish.
How much fish do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of catfish fillet, which should be cut into 2 fillets.
Can I use a different type of oil?
The recipe specifically uses a mix of butter and olive oil for flavor and browning, but other high-smoke point oils could be substituted if necessary.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a great option for weeknight meals.
What herbs are used to season the fish?
Dried basil is used in the flour mixture to add herbal flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients required for this recipe.
Is the catfish crust supposed to be crunchy?
Yes, the combination of chopped cashews and the frying process creates a delightful crunch.
What is the purpose of the powdered milk in the batter?
The instant powdered milk is whisked into the egg wash to help create a richer wet coating for the fish.
How do I prevent the cashew crust from falling off during frying?
Turn the fillets gently in the skillet to avoid breaking the crust while they cook.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, it provides 17.5g of protein per serving, making it a satisfying meal.
Can I use roasted cashews?
The recipe uses chopped cashews, and the tags suggest 'roasted nuts' are a key flavor profile for this dish.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The sugar content is listed as null, indicating no added sugars in the primary ingredients.
What type of flour is used?
Standard all-purpose flour is used for the initial dredging step.
Does the recipe require a specific type of skillet?
A nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent the cashew crust from sticking to the pan.
Is this recipe categorized as healthy?
Yes, it is described as a heart-healthy meal and tagged accordingly.
How do I prepare the catfish before coating?
Simply cut 3/4 lb of catfish into 2 fillets before beginning the dredging process.
How much butter is used for frying?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter for frying.
Is salt and pepper included in the seasoning?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper are included in the flour mixture.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size in grams or ounces is not provided, but the recipe is divided into 2 equal portions.