The Best Fried Catfish Nuggets

When I think of fried catfish nuggets, I think of my Uncle. Cornmeal and flour seasoned up just right, catfish sitting to the side just waiting to be slathered in a mustard sauce, then given a cornmeal and flour bath. Last but not least, they take a dive in a hot cast iron filled with grease. Leaving them to be the best southern fried nuggets. If you want to learn more, just keep reading. Trust me, folks. You need this recipe.

What are the ingredients for this fried catfish nugget?  

As I have always said, quick and easy is my thing. Who doesn’t like a quick meal? I know I am a sucker for a quick Southern fried catfish meal. One thing I love about this meal is that any level of cook can cook it. It’s that easy. You cut your catfish into nuggets, then you season your flour and fry. That’s pretty much it! That’s why the ingredients are just as easy as the recipe.

Ingredients for fried catfish nuggets

Cornmeal

Flour

Mustard

Season salt

Pepper

Garlic powder

Paprika

Lemon

Where can I buy catfish?

When I went looking for catfish, it wasn’t many places that sold them, but I wasn’t surprised. I then went to a couple of fresh seafood markets. One said they were sold out, and the other shop had a ton. I was super excited to find them. So, when it comes to buying catfish. I would find a seafood market nearby.

How to fry catfish nuggets?

When it comes to cooking fried catfish nuggets. It’s so many frying methods you can use. There is shallow frying, deep frying, and triple cook frying, just to name a few. I choose to go with deep frying. You can use a cast iron skillet or a deep fryer. A deep fryer is much easier and the mess to clean up is the bare minimum. Now, let’s get down to making this fried catfish recipe. I will first tell you that the steps are so insanely easy.

1. Preheat your oil to 350 Fahrenheit
2. Clean your fish
3. Cut them into bite-sized pieces
4. Drizzle mustard over your catfish
5. Season them well with the seasonings listed above
6. Take your hands and mix all the seasonings up well.
7. To a bowl, add your cornmeal, flour, and seasonings. Mix well
8. Coat your catfish thoroughly with the cornmeal mixture.
9. Add the catfish to the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan
10. Cook until golden brown

Tips

When taking your fish out of the pan, place them on a wire rack to allow the oil to drain out of the fish before enjoying.

How long to fry catfish nuggets?

Frying catfish can be one of the easiest things you can do. It doesn’t take long at all when frying any type of fish. Especially when you are using the deep-fried method that I used. To make these fried catfish nuggets, you will only need to leave them in the grease for about 3 to 4 minutes. The way to tell that catfish are fried is to make sure the middle is a white color and no longer translucent. The fish should look flaky inside when opened.

Why do I use mustard to coat fish?

Would you believe I told you that adding mustard to this catfish recipe will make the fish tender? Yep, your fish will melt in your mouth. Another good reason for using mustard on fish is to make sure the breading sticks well to the fish.  In addition, I want to reassure you that you will not taste the mustard in these fried catfish nuggets recipes. So, no worries there, my friends.

What pairs well with southern fried catfish?

When serving this fried catfish, I would pair it with spaghetti. I know you’re probably like spaghetti. Yes, that’s exactly right. You should try grits if you don’t want spaghetti with this recipe. Another one of my absolute favorite things to eat with any fried food is my honey cornbread. Also, you can have these fried catfish nuggets with plain white rice. There you have a few good sides to have with your fish.

Can you store and reheat fried catfish?

Fried catfish nuggets can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but after that, I would consider throwing things away. I wouldn’t suggest freezing fried catfish, but that’s an option if you want to keep your fish fresh a little longer. When freezing these catfish, ensure it’s an airtight bag such as a Ziplock bag. Now, let’s get to the reheating part. I like to wrap my catfish nuggets in a piece of aluminum foil. I then preheat my oven to 350 degrees. Once done, I place the catfish in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. Take it out, and you have some crispy fish.

Here are some more seafood recipes

These recipes I am listing here are easy and taste well, just like these fried catfish nuggets.

If you enjoyed this fried catfish nuggets recipe, then don’t hesitate to give me a shoutout on my Instagram @ronalyn_alston.