Fried catfish bites are a Southern classic that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. This versatile dish is made with catfish fillets that are cut into small pieces, coated in a flavorful batter or breading, and then fried until golden brown and crispy. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, fried catfish bites are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. Whether you prefer a simple batter or a more complex breading, there's a recipe out there to suit your taste. So grab your favorite catfish fillets and get ready to make some delicious fried catfish bites!
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FRIED CATFISH BITES
Make and share this Fried Catfish Bites recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Iowahorse
Categories Catfish
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Rub fish with hot sauce, salt and pepper.
- Set aside for 1 hour or more.
- Cut fish into bite-size pieces and dip into eggs.
- Roll in cornmeal.
- Fry quickly in deep fat for 2 or 3 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Drain.
DEEP FRIED CATFISH BITES WITH A KICKBACK SAUCE
I love good catfish, and these have just the right amount of flavor in the coating so that they don't overpower the taste of the fish. Add to that a kickback dipping sauce, and you have all the ingredients for a great meal. You can even use the leftover batter to make hushpuppies. So, you ready... Let's get into the...
Provided by Andy Anderson !
Categories Seafood Appetizers
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- 1. DIPPING SAUCE
- 2. Gather your ingredients.
- 3. Add the mayonnaise, brown mustard, lime juice, honey, brown sugar, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl.
- 4. Whisk to combine.
- 5. Season with hot sauce and salt to your own particular tastes.
- 6. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- 7. Cover, and reserve.
- 8. Chef's Note: If you have the time, allow the dipping sauce to sit for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. This will help give the ingredients a chance to know each other.
- 9. THE CATFISH
- 10. Gather your ingredients.
- 11. Cut the catfish into bite-sized pieces, and reserve.
- 12. Add the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt and the cayenne pepper to a large bowl.
- 13. Whisk to combine.
- 14. Chef's Note: Adjust the salt to your own tastes, or leave it out altogether.
- 15. Add the beer.
- 16. Whisk until there are no lumps and the mixture is completely smooth.
- 17. Chef's Tip: If you have any left over beer, you should drink it down. We don't want anything wasted.
- 18. Chef's Note: If the batter is still a bit thick, add some water to thin it down.
- 19. Mix the remaining 1-teaspoon of salt with the pepper, garlic powder, and paprika and/or dill, if using.
- 20. Use this to lightly season the fish on both sides.
- 21. Chef's Note: You will probably have more of the salt/pepper/garlic mixture than what you need. Discard any that's left.
- 22. Preheat your oil to 350f (176c).
- 23. Chef's Tip: If you have a deep fryer, most are preset to this temperature. If you are using a pot, then use a thermometer to keep the temperature as close to 350f (176c) as possible.
- 24. Dip a piece of catfish into the batter and then carefully place into the hot oil.
- 25. Chef's Tip: Place several pieces into the oil, but don't overcrowd.
- 26. Keep the catfish moving in the oil so that they don't stick.
- 27. Fry until the catfish bites are nice and brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- 28. Place the cooked catfish on a paper towel, and repeat for the remaining catfish.
- 29. Chef's Tip: To keep the catfish warm, you might want to place them on a paper-towel lined baking sheet. Preset the oven to 200f (94c), and keep them in there until ready to serve.
- 30. Chef's Note: If you have any batter left over, and you probably will, drizzle it into the hot oil, and make some crunchies, put them in the plate and lay the catfish on top. I think some people like the crunchies more than the catfish.
- 31. To serve, add to a serving plate, with the dipping sauce on the side. Add a few lemon wedges, and there you go. Enjoy.
- 32. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
Tips:
- Use fresh catfish fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut the catfish into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Season the catfish with a flavorful mixture of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the catfish in a buttermilk and egg mixture before frying to help it adhere to the breading.
- Use a light and airy breading, such as a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and panko breadcrumbs, to achieve a crispy and flavorful exterior.
- Fry the catfish in hot oil until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve the catfish immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or ranch dressing.
Conclusion:
Fried catfish bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course. With a crispy breading and tender, flavorful catfish, these bites are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. So next time you're looking for a quick and tasty meal, give fried catfish bites a try!
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