Golden Crispy Catfish Delight
Indulge in the flavors of the South with this Golden Crispy Catfish Delight recipe. Perfectly seasoned and coated to achieve a crunchy exterior while keeping the fish moist and flaky on the inside, this dish brings together delightful flavors and a golden crust in every bite. Ideal for a family dinner or a casual gathering, serve it alongside your favorite sides and watch it become a new favorite at your table. Enjoy the perfect harmony of spices and textures that will make this classic a standout in your kitchen!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Catfish fillet
1 lb (fresh, skinless)
Yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup (dry)
Dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (unseasoned)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
French dressing or Ranch dressing
1/4 cup (for brushing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, dry breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic salt, and a pinch of black pepper, mixing well to incorporate the spices evenly.
3
Brush the catfish fillets lightly on all sides with your choice of French dressing or ranch dressing to add flavor and help the coating adhere.
4
Dredge the dressed catfish fillets in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring an even coat on all surfaces for maximum crunch.
5
Place the coated fillets on a rack in a broiler pan to promote even cooking and crispiness.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is golden brown in color.
7
Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving to allow for the crust to firm up further.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Crispy Catfish Delight?
It is a Southern-style baked fish dish featuring catfish fillets coated in a seasoned cornmeal and breadcrumb mixture for a crunchy exterior and moist interior.
What type of fish is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses fresh, skinless catfish fillets.
How much catfish do I need?
You will need 1 lb of catfish fillets for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) before baking.
What is the preparation for the catfish fillets?
The fillets should be fresh and skinless before you begin the coating process.
What are the dry ingredients for the coating?
The coating is a mixture of yellow cornmeal, dry breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic salt, and black pepper.
How much yellow cornmeal is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of dry yellow cornmeal.
How much dry breadcrumbs are needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of unseasoned dry breadcrumbs.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Use dry, unseasoned breadcrumbs to ensure the seasoning mix provides the intended flavor.
What spices are used in the breading?
The breading is seasoned with ground paprika, garlic salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
What is the amount of paprika used?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground paprika.
How much garlic salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt, or more to taste.
How do I get the coating to stick to the catfish?
Brush the catfish fillets lightly on all sides with French or Ranch dressing to help the cornmeal mixture adhere.
Which dressings are recommended for brushing the fish?
You can use either French dressing or Ranch dressing based on your preference.
How much dressing is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of dressing for brushing.
What is the dredging process?
Dredge the dressed fillets in the cornmeal and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coat on all surfaces.
Where should I place the catfish fillets for baking?
Place the coated fillets on a rack in a broiler pan.
Why should I use a rack in a broiler pan?
Using a rack promotes even cooking and helps maintain the crispiness of the crust.
How long does the catfish take to bake?
Bake the fish for 15 to 18 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
What should the final color of the catfish be?
The catfish should be golden brown in color when finished.
Should I let the fish rest after baking?
Yes, remove the fish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Why is it important to let the fish sit before serving?
Resting the fish allows the crust to firm up further for a better texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and is ideal for family meals.
What style of cuisine is this dish?
This dish is a classic example of Southern cuisine.
Is this catfish recipe fried or baked?
Despite its crispy texture, this catfish is baked in the oven at a high temperature.
What is the expected texture of the finished fish?
It features a crunchy exterior with moist and flaky fish inside.
Does the recipe include black pepper?
Yes, a pinch of black pepper is added to the cornmeal coating mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering.