Crispy Spicy Cajun Catfish
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the South with this Crispy Spicy Cajun Catfish recipe. Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried until golden brown, this dish offers a delightful crunch with every bite and a touch of heat from the cayenne pepper. It's an ideal choice for a family dinner or a weekend gathering. Serve it with a side of coleslaw or over a bed of rice for a complete meal that embodies the spirit of Cajun cuisine.
4
Servings
120
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
catfish fillets
4 (4 oz. each, washed and patted dry)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
wheat flakes cereal
1 ounce (crushed)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
paprika
1 tablespoon (ground)
white pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the catfish fillets under cold water and gently patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the wheat flakes cereal and all the listed spices: cayenne pepper, black pepper, paprika, white pepper, salt, thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed.
3
Prepare a work area by laying out a sheet of foil or wax paper. Transfer the seasoned mixture onto this surface.
4
Taking each catfish fillet, dip it into the spice mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated.
5
In a heavy cast-iron frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat until hot. Test the oil by dropping a small amount of the seasoned mixture into it; it should sizzle.
6
Carefully place the coated fillets into the pan, frying them for 2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7
Once cooked, transfer the fillets onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. For best results, cover the fillets with another paper towel and gently pat them down.
8
Serve immediately with your choice of sides and enjoy your delicious, homemade Cajun catfish!
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
8.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Spicy Cajun Catfish?
It is a vibrant Southern-style dish featuring catfish fillets seasoned with a blend of spices and crushed cereal, then pan-fried to a golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
What are the primary ingredients for the catfish coating?
The coating is made from crushed wheat flakes cereal combined with various Cajun spices.
Which spices are included in the Cajun seasoning blend?
The blend includes cayenne pepper, black pepper, paprika, white pepper, salt, dried thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder.
How should I prepare the catfish before coating?
You should wash the fillets under cold water and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
What is the recommended cooking method for this recipe?
The recipe recommends pan-frying the catfish in a heavy cast-iron frying pan.
How long should each side of the catfish be fried?
Each fillet should be fried for approximately 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A heavy cast-iron frying pan is suggested for the best results.
How much oil is required for frying the catfish?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oil for frying.
How do I test if the oil is hot enough?
You can drop a small amount of the seasoned mixture into the oil; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Why is it important to pat the fish dry?
Patting the fish dry ensures the coating sticks properly and helps the fish become crispy rather than soggy.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 8.75g of protein in each serving of the Cajun catfish.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
Each serving contains 6.25g of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
The recipe contains 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe data does not indicate any sugar content in this dish.
What type of cereal is used for the breading?
Crushed wheat flakes cereal is used to provide the crispy texture.
What side dishes pair well with Cajun catfish?
It is recommended to serve this dish with coleslaw or over a bed of rice.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate lined with paper towels and gently pat them down to absorb extra oil.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe requires 11 specific ingredients.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, the use of cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, and paprika gives it a spicy Cajun kick.
Can I adjust the heat level of the catfish?
Yes, you can modify the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your personal spice preference.
What is the weight of each catfish fillet?
Each fillet should weigh approximately 4 ounces.
Does the recipe call for fresh or dried thyme?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What is the purpose of the paprika in the recipe?
Paprika adds both a mild earthy flavor and contributes to the golden-brown color of the fish.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick family dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and only takes a few minutes to cook once prepped.
What are the key tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags include Cajun, catfish, southern cooking, fish fry, spicy, and seafood.
Can I use a different type of pepper if I don't have white pepper?
While white pepper has a unique flavor, you can use additional black pepper as a substitute, though the taste profile will change slightly.
What texture should the finished catfish have?
The finished catfish should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Should the catfish be washed before cooking?
Yes, the instructions recommend washing the fillets under cold water before patting them dry.