12 Popular Catfish Recipes for Busy Weeknights
on Dec 07, 2022, Updated Nov 01, 2023
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We’re sharing 12 of the Best Catfish Recipes for you to try. All of them are easy to make and cook up quickly enough to serve on busy weeknights. From classic fried catfish to baked versions to unique Asian catfish recipe, there’s a dish for everyone.
If you and your family enjoy fish, catfish is a great option! It’s a lean source of protein, is low in calories, and has good-for-you omega-3 fats, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also mildly flavored and slightly sweet.
What is the Best Way to Eat Catfish?
The most popular way to cook catfish is to deep-fry the fish. You can also bake, grill, or pan fry the fish.
What Does Catfish Taste Like?
Catfish has a mild taste with a slightly sweet flavor. It’s less flaky and denser than other white fish or salmon.
Should I Soak Catfish in Milk Before Cooking?
If you plan to fry your catfish, we recommend soaking it in milk for about an hour before frying to eliminate any fishy taste.
Best Catfish Recipes
Fried Catfish
You’ll love the crunchy cornmeal coating used in this dish! It’s well seasoned and perfectly complements the mild flavor of the fish. Enjoy it with crisp roasted potatoes and a bright green veggie!
Blackened Catfish
The seasonings used in this dish aren’t overly spicy so even your kids will like it! Serve it with fried rice and sauteed veggies!
Asian Braised Catfish (Vietnamese Ca Kho)
This Vietnamese braised fish is traditionally cooked in a claypot. The catfish is braised and caramelized to perfection. Serve with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Catfish Nuggets
Your kids will love the crunch of these bite-sized chunks of catfish! Serve them with fries, corn on the cob, and tartar sauce!
Lemon Pepper Catfish Fillets
Lemon pepper and fish go hand-in-hand! This simple dish lets the flavor of the catfish shine through. Serve it with potatoes or rice and a bright green veggie!
Oven Baked Catfish
This baked catfish features a tasty seasoning blend that perfectly complements the mild and slightly sweet flavor of the fish.
Grilled Catfish
Fire up the grill and serve this perfectly seasoned catfish with your favorite veggies. It’s ready to eat in just 15 minutes.
Pan Fried Catfish
The catfish in this recipe is dipped in milk and then dredged in seasoned cornmeal. It’s full of delicious flavors and would be great served with creamy mac & cheese and green peas!
Catfish Stew
Serve this hearty stew when the weather’s cold. It’s hearty, comforting, and ready to eat in just 40 minutes!
Cajun Catfish
Ready-made Cajun seasoning makes easy work of this dish. Just brush the fish with lemon juice, sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning, and broil in the oven until it’s done! It couldn’t be easier and tastes great!
Louisiana Fried Catfish
You’ll love the flavor and the delicate crunch of this fried catfish dish! Serve it with red beans and rice and tender broccoli for a complete and hearty meal!
Crispy Southern Fried Catfish
This simple fried catfish dish takes just 20 minutes! Serve it with warm buttered cornbread and a crisp side salad!
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Easy Catfish Recipes for Dinner (Fried Catfish and More)
Ingredients
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 cup milk
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup flour
- 3/4 cup fine cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a heavy frying pan, pour enough oil to come 1/2 inch up the sides of the pan. Heat the pan on medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, add a cube of dry bread to the oil. If it sizzles, the oil is hot enough for the fish.
- Soak the catfish in the milk.
- Mix together the cornmeal, flour, and spices for dredging
- Place the mixture in a shallow dish.
- Dredge the fillets in the mixture, shake off the excess and sprinkle them with salt.
- Add the fillets to the hot oil.
- Fry the fish until golden brown, for about 2-4 minutes, and carefully turn to brown on the other side for another 2-4 minutes.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
