This recipe transforms mild, flaky catfish into a crispy delight using a seasoned cornmeal crust. The coating features grated Parmesan cheese for umami depth, dried basil for herbal notes, and a hint of red pepper for warmth. The fish is dipped in egg for adhesion, ensuring the crunchy exterior stays intact while the interior remains tender and moist. It’s a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with coleslaw or roasted vegetables. The combination of textures and flavors offers a comforting, home-style meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something special without the fuss.
Cornmeal-Coated Catfish
Description
This recipe transforms mild, flaky catfish into a crispy delight using a seasoned cornmeal crust. The coating features grated Parmesan cheese for umami depth, dried basil for herbal notes, and a hint of red pepper for warmth. The fish is dipped in egg for adhesion, ensuring the crunchy exterior stays intact while the interior remains tender and moist. It&# 226;ÂÂs a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with coleslaw or roasted vegetables. The combination of textures and flavors offers a comforting, home-style meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something special without the fuss.Ingredients
Directions
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In a shallow dish, whisk together the cornmeal, grated Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour, crumbled dried basil, salt, and ground red hot pepper until evenly combined.
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In a separate small bowl, beat the egg lightly with a fork until uniform.
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Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres properly.
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Dip each catfish fillet into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
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Carefully place the coated catfish fillets into the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
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Cook for approximately 4 minutes on the first side, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
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Flip the fillets gently and cook for another 4 minutes on the second side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
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Transfer the cooked catfish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 308.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13.7g22%
- Saturated Fat 4.8g24%
- Cholesterol 142.8mg48%
- Sodium 5197.3mg217%
- Total Carbohydrate 18.7g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1.6g7%
- Sugars 0.8g
- Protein 25.9g52%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.