Spicy Cornmeal Crusted Catfish Recipes

SPICY CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• On a baking sheet, mix together cornmeal, paprika, cumin, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Dredge fish in cornmeal mixture, turning to coat both sides.
• In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat. Place 2 catfish fillets in the skillet, skin side up. Cook until crust is browned and fish is firm, 6 to 8 minutes on each side. If crust is starting to turn too brown, reduce heat. Transfer fish to a plate; keep warm. Wipe out skillet with a paper towel. Repeat with remaining oil and fish.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the egg and lemon juice. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt. Dip catfish into egg mixture, then coat with cornmeal mixture., In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry fillets, two at a time, for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

NEELY'S MEMPHIS-STYLE CATFISH

Steps:

• Preheat a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F.
• Mix the cornmeal, paprika and cayenne in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, add the buttermilk and the hot sauce.
• Season the catfish with salt and pepper. Dredge in the buttermilk and then the cornmeal and spice mixture.
• Drop carefully in the hot oil. Fry for 4 minutes until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined sheet tray. Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve with Remoulade Sauce.
• Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl.

PECAN-CRUSTED CATFISH WITH SPICY CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• For the pecan-crusted catfish: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper and set aside. Pulse the cornmeal with the pecans and some salt and pepper in a food processor until uniform and the size of breadcrumbs. Create a breading station with the flour on a plate, the milk and egg beaten together and the pecan-cornmeal mixture on another plate. Be sure to sprinkle salt and pepper on each part of the breading station. Dip the fish in the flour, then the egg, then the cornmeal mixture. Heat the oil in a large oven-safe saute pan over medium heat. Brown the coated catfish until golden on one side, about 3 minutes. Then turn the fillets over and place in the oven to finish cooking, about 10 minutes longer (a few minutes more if the fillets are thick).
• For the spicy cream sauce: Place the onions and garlic with the stock, wine and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Boil and reduce for 5 minutes, gently pressing on the onions and garlic to release the flavors. Remove the onion and garlic and discard. Turn down the heat to low and whisk in the steak sauce and lemon juice, then the sour cream. Allow to cook and reduce 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. (Place back on the heat for 10 seconds if needed to keep the temperature high enough.)

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450°. Spray broiler-pan rack with cooking spray. Mix cornmeal, bread crumbs, chili powder, paprika, garlic salt and pepper.
• Remove and discard skin from fish. Cut fish into 4 serving pieces. Lightly brush dressing on all sides of fish. Coat fish with cornmeal mixture. Place fish on rack in broiler pan. Bake uncovered about 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork. Sprinkle with parsley.

FRIED CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a shallow dish combine the first 6 ingredients.
• Dredge the fillets into the mixture and coat evenly.
• In a large cast-iron skillet or a Dutch oven pour about 2-inches of oil; heat to 350 degrees.
• Fry the fillets in batches for about 5-6 minutes turning once until golden.
• Drain on paper towels.

CAJUN BAKED CATFISH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. In a shallow bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients., Dip fillets in cornmeal mixture to coat both sides. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with paprika., Bake until fish begins to flake easily with fork, 20-25 minutes.

SPICY CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• Place fillets in a single layer in a shallow glass dish, Pour milk over the fish; cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or for up to 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, prepare Tangy Tartar Sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
• Stir in remaining ingredients.
• Keep refrigerated.
• Makes 1/2 cup.
• Preheat oven to 500°F.
• Combine cornmeal, parsley, garlic and cayenne to taste in a shallow dish.
• Remove the fish from the milk, sprinkle both side with salt and dredge in the cornmeal mixture.
• Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Place the fish on baking sheet and lightly coat the fish with cooking spray.
• Bake until the fish is firm to the touch and opaque in the center, 10-15 minutes.
• Serve immediately with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
• Makes 4 servings.

CORN-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• Wash, dry and cut catfish in half. Soak in buttermilk until ready to cook.
• Mix cornmeal, flour and cayenne. Drain catfish and dredge.
• Heat oil in heavy skillet. Saute catfish on both sides over medium heat in hot oil, about seven minutes total. Serve with crusty bread.