I’M BACK!! | Hit The Spot FRIED CATFISH NUGGETS | Full Meal ❤️

These fried catfish nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside. Seasoned from the inside out and coated in a cornmeal-flour crust, this Southern-style dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting homemade meal.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 Tbsp paprika

• 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1 Tbsp garlic powder

• 1 Tbsp onion powder

• 1 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (more or less to preference)

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried basil

Fish

• 2 lb catfish fillets, cut into nuggets

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 Tbsp white vinegar

• 2 eggs

For Frying

• 3 1/2 cups canola oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Seasoning
Combine all dry seasonings in a bowl and mix well. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the seasoning for later use.

2. Make Buttermilk Substitute
Add vinegar to the milk, stir gently, and let sit for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Prepare the Coating
In a large bowl, combine cornmeal and flour. Add the prepared seasoning mixture and mix thoroughly so the seasoning is evenly distributed.

4. Prepare the Wet Mixture
Beat the eggs, then mix them into the buttermilk substitute. Set aside.

5. Cut and Season the Fish
Cut catfish fillets into bite-size nuggets. Season the fish generously with the reserved seasoning, then sprinkle salt separately to control seasoning evenly.

6. Dredge the Fish
Dip the seasoned fish nuggets into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Then dredge them in the seasoned cornmeal-flour mixture, coating all sides evenly.

7. Heat the Oil
Heat canola oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to about 375°F (190°C).

8. Fry the Nuggets
Carefully add the fish nuggets to the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Maintain oil temperature throughout frying.

9. Drain
Remove nuggets and place on a rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• French fries

• Tartar sauce

• Lemon wedges

• Toast or white bread

• Cucumber and tomato salad

Notes

• Catfish nuggets can be purchased pre-cut or made from fillets; flavor remains the same.

• Keeping oil temperature consistent ensures crispy, non-greasy results.

• This seasoning blend can be stored and reused for future fish recipes.