Oven Fried Catfish With Crunchy Cornmeal Crust
Crispy oven-fried catfish with a flavorful cornmeal crust offers a deliciously crunchy texture and mild, savory taste, perfect for a quick and satisfying Southern-style meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Using a nonstick baking pan, brush vegetable oil over the surface and set aside.
- Place all-purpose flour on a piece of wax paper.
- Beat the egg white in a shallow bowl until foamy.
- Combine yellow cornmeal, salt (if using), and ground red pepper on a second piece of wax paper.
- Dip each fish fillet in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Then dip the floured fish in the beaten egg white, allowing excess to drip off.
- Roll the fish in the cornmeal mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Place the coated fish on the prepared baking pan.
- Repeat with the second fillet.
- Bake until the bottoms are browned and you hear sizzling sounds.
- Turn the fish over and bake for about 5 minutes more.
- Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider adding a tablespoon of finely chopped nuts to the cornmeal mixture. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil. Additionally, try using a mixture of different flours, like whole wheat, for a unique flavor. Don't skip the lemon wedges; they enhance the flavor significantly, making it a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with Simmons Baked Catfish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven-fried catfish hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty touch. It pairs well with a light salad or coleslaw for a refreshing side. Consider serving it alongside Coastal Chili for a hearty meal, or with some steamed vegetables for a healthier option. This dish also works wonderfully with a side of cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover catfish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the cornmeal crust, making it almost as good as when freshly baked.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Fried Catfish With Crunchy Cornmeal Crust contains roughly 265 calories, with 5g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen catfish fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen catfish fillets. Just ensure they are properly thawed before coating them in flour and cornmeal. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker results. This will help ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
What can I substitute for cornmeal if I don't have any?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can use breadcrumbs as a substitute for a different texture. Alternatively, finely ground oats can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but it'll still create a nice coating for the fish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of ground red pepper or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornmeal mixture. You can also serve the catfish with a spicy dipping sauce, such as a sriracha mayonnaise or a hot sauce made with your favorite peppers for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).