When you are craving fried Fish but want to elevate it without spending a lot of funds to do so, check out this recipe for Catfish Nuggets & Cheesy Grits. Fried succulent pieces of breaded Catfish sit on top of creamy Cheesy Grits garnished with Fried Shallots & Garlic pieces. Delivering elegance and deliciousness in every bite. The added Chili Oil provides heat on the palate to take it up a notch for added flavor.
Everyone who loves Seafood loves a good piece of fried fish. Whether it be a piece of Cod, Tilapia, Haddock or a few others. Let’s talk about a good piece of Catfish. Some may have a love/hate relationship with it but when you love it, you really love it. Catfish has a mild subtle sweetness to it but is often described as having a muddy or earthy flavor. Explanation being that they are bottom feeders and tend to eat sediment hence the muddy flavor profile.
Grits are made from coarsely ground corn that is a staple in many southern dishes. Grits come in stone-ground, hominy, quick and instant. Different processes for each and more of a preference on how you enjoy it. Enjoy it sweet or savory and pairs well many dishes. Common dishes include Shrimp, Fish, Sausage, Breakfast and many more. Grits tend to take on the flavors you cook with them but alone have a mild corn flavor profile.
Now that we touched basis on Catfish and Grits, we now talk about my Catfish Nuggets & Cheesy Grits. Creating a simple breaded morsel and frying them to perfection was as simple as 1,2,3. Serving up the Cheesy Grits fills your mouth with creaminess lightly seasoning with the essence of your favorite cheese. Pairing them together with added flavors of crispy Shallots and Garlic add extra flavors that elevate the taste to something you would find in a fancy restaurant with the added cost. Of course, we don’t want to forget the spiciness of Chili Oil for a mild kick that makes you go hmmm. Check out this recipe on your next dinner menu and explore southern comfort in your home.
Catfish Nuggets & Cheesy Grits
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Pot with Lid
- Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Ingredients
Seafood
- 4-6 Catfish Filets Cut into bite size pieces.
Pantry
- 1.5 cups Old Fashioned Grits Can substitute for fast cooking grits if preferred.
- 2 cup Fine Cornmeal
- 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp Butter
- Crispy Fried Shallots Can purchase at your local Asian Market, Amazon or may be available at your local Market.
- Crispy Fried Garlic Can purchase at your local Asian Market, Amazon or may be available at your local Market.
- Spicy Chili Oil
Dairy
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1/2 cup Mild Cheddar Cheese Shredded. Can substitute for your preferred Cheese.
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Adobo May substitute for your preferred brand of Seasoned Salt
- 1 tbs Garlic Herb Seasoning
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Oil
- Vegetable Oil
Instructions
Grits Preparation
- Pour 4 cups of Water into a Pot adding a few generous pinches of Salt into Water. Bring to a rapid boil on medium/high. Add Grits and give it a stir. Reduce to medium and cover with lid. Be sure to stir periodically for 15-20 minutes to not allow it to clump together and stick to bottom.
Meanwhile.. Catfish Preparation
- Fill Skillet with enough Oil to cover Catfish Nuggets while frying.
- Heat on Medium/High
- Add Cornmeal, Flour, Adobo, Garlic Herb Seasoning, Onion Powder, Paprika and Cayenne Pepper into a bowl or Large Ziplock Bag. Give it a good stir or shake to incorporate ingredients.
- Place Buttermilk into a shallow dish with a pinch of Salt & Black Pepper. Add Catfish Nuggets in being sure to coat on all sides and let it sit until ready to fry.
- When Oil reaches 365℉, quickly remove Catfish Nuggets a few at a time lightly shaking excess butter off and add to Cornmeal mixture. Give it a toss or shake to coat thoroughly and add directly into Oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes depending on size or until crispy and golden brown. Do not overcrowd. Remove and place on paper towel lined plate. Continue frying method until all are fried.
Finish Off Grits
- Five minutes prior to completion of grits, add Butter, Heavy Cream and Shredded Cheese. Stir consistently until all is incorporated and Cheese is melted. Taste to see if additional seasoning is needed. Lower heating temperature to low, cover with lid until ready to serve.
Plating
- Ladle Cheesy Grits on bottom of dish or bowl, place Catfish Nuggets on top of Grits, garnish with Fried Shallots & Garlic and drizzle with Chili Oil. Enjoy.
