Crispy Catfish Bites with Zesty Dipping Sauce
Indulge in the delightful crunch of these Crispy Catfish Bites, perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection. Each bite-sized popper is packed with flavor and pairs wonderfully with a zesty dipping sauce that adds just the right amount of kick to your meal. This irresistible appetizer is not only a crowd-pleaser for parties but also perfect for a casual lunch or snack. Plus, the dipping sauce is versatile enough that you can use it with shrimp or scallops, expanding your culinary adventures. Whip up this Southern-inspired dish from Southern Living, April 2006, and impress your guests with these delicious bites!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To season the flour mixture.)
Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (To add flavor to the flour mixture.)
All-purpose flour
2/3 cup (For dredging the fish.)
Large egg
1 (Whisked together with milk.)
Milk
1/4 cup (Whisked together with the egg.)
Catfish fillets
1 3/4 lbs (Cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.)
Japanese-style bread crumbs (panko)
1 1/2 cups (To coat the catfish.)
Mayonnaise
3/4 cup (For the dipping sauce.)
Spicy seafood cocktail sauce
1/4 cup (For the dipping sauce.)
Lemon juice
2 teaspoons (Freshly squeezed for flavor.)
Ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To add heat to the dipping sauce.)
Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (To taste in the dipping sauce.)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the salt, Cajun seasoning, and all-purpose flour. Mix until well combined.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the large egg and milk until smooth.
3
Prepare the catfish fillets by cutting them into 1 1/2-inch pieces. This will make them perfect for popping into your mouth.
4
Set up a dredging station: First, coat each piece of catfish in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coverage.
5
Next, dip the floured catfish pieces into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
6
Finally, roll the dipped fish in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated; this will give them a delicious crispness.
7
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2-inch of oil to 375°F. Once hot, carefully add the breaded catfish pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
8
Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the poppers to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9
For the dipping sauce, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, spicy seafood cocktail sauce, lemon juice, ground red pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir well until all ingredients are incorporated.
10
Cover and chill the dipping sauce until you're ready to serve it alongside the crispy catfish bites.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in this recipe?
The primary protein used is 1 3/4 lbs of catfish fillets.
How should the catfish fillets be prepared?
The catfish fillets should be cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
What seasonings are added to the all-purpose flour?
The flour mixture includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
What liquid ingredients are whisked together for the dredging station?
One large egg and 1/4 cup of milk are whisked together until smooth.
What type of breadcrumbs provide the crispness for the bites?
Japanese-style bread crumbs, also known as panko, are used to provide delicious crispness.
What is the recommended oil temperature for frying?
The oil should be heated to 375°F in a large skillet.
How much oil should be used in the skillet?
You should use about 1/2-inch of oil for frying.
How long do you cook the catfish poppers?
Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
How should excess oil be removed after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the poppers to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
What ingredients are in the zesty dipping sauce?
The sauce contains mayonnaise, spicy seafood cocktail sauce, lemon juice, ground red pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
How much mayonnaise is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of mayonnaise.
How much spicy seafood cocktail sauce is used in the dip?
1/4 cup of spicy seafood cocktail sauce is required.
Can the dipping sauce be used for other types of seafood?
Yes, the dipping sauce is versatile enough to be used with shrimp or scallops.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is a Southern-inspired dish from Southern Living, April 2006.
What is the specific dredging order for the catfish?
Coat the fish in seasoned flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and finally roll it in panko breadcrumbs.
How should the dipping sauce be stored before serving?
The sauce should be covered and chilled until you are ready to serve.
What amount of Cajun seasoning is required for the flour?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
What is the purpose of the salt in the recipe?
Salt is used to season the flour mixture before dredging the fish.
How much all-purpose flour is needed?
2/3 cup of all-purpose flour is used for the dredging station.
What volume of Japanese-style bread crumbs is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of panko breadcrumbs.
How much ground red pepper is added to the sauce?
1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper is added to give the sauce heat.
What amount of Old Bay Seasoning is used?
1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning is added to the dipping sauce.
What type of lemon juice is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for flavor.
Why should you fry the catfish in batches?
Frying in batches prevents overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain oil temperature for crispiness.
What is the general description of the catfish bites?
They are bite-sized poppers that are perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser for parties and an irresistible appetizer.
How many ingredients are used in total?
The recipe lists a total of 12 ingredients.
What is the purpose of the milk in the recipe?
The milk is whisked with the egg to create a wash that helps the panko stick to the fish.
What tool is recommended for removing the fish from the oil?
A slotted spoon is recommended to help drain excess oil while transferring the fish.
What should you do after mixing the dipping sauce ingredients?
You should stir well until all ingredients are incorporated, then cover and chill.