I’m a sucker for finding out of the ordinary seasonings and trying them on some of my favorite recipes. When you come across a blend of Smoked Paprika, Garlic, Chili & Chives, there are so many ideas popping up into my head. Smoked Paprika Herb Catfish Bites fried to crispy golden perfection? Absolutely!!
Catfish is a mildly sweet flavored fish but tends to take on a distinctive taste reminiscent to a muddy water flavor profile. It is more profound in Wild-caught catfish versus Farm-raised. Don’t let this deter you as once it is prepared, it is absolutely delicious. There are many ways Catfish can be prepare from frying, pan searing, grilling to baking. All provide a beautiful and flavorful dish depending on how you choose to love on them with your cooking skills.
Trying my hand using my new favorite seasoning blend on fried Catfish delivered a mildly spiced fish with the essence of the herb seasonings added to it. I paired it along side white rice & beans that was a great compliment to a simple by fulfilling meal. While frying fish doesn’t keep you on the healthier side of the cooking spectrum, it is worth it on an occasional scale. I mean you only live once right? If you are not one who enjoys frying, this recipe can be tweaked to pan sear, grilling or baking simply by omitting the fish fry coating and increasing the seasonings a little more. Let’s take a turn on Smoked Paprika Herb Catfish Bites and see what you think about it?
Smoked Paprika Herb Catfish Bites
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Small & Large Mixing Bowl
- Skillet or Cast Iron Pan
Ingredients
Seafood
- 4-6 Large Boneless/Skinless Catfish Fillets Cut into Bite Size pieces. Be sure fish is patted dry with a paper towel to remove and liquid.
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Gourmet Collection Smoked Paprika, Garlic, Chili & Chive Spice Blend Salt Free If you cannot find it in your local grocery store, it can be purchased on Amazon or you may break it down to 1 teaspoon each and stir together in a small bowl.
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Fish Fry Coating
- 2 cups Yellow Cornmeal I like my coating to not so gritty so if I can find "fine" cornmeal, that is the one I get.
- 1 tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Herb seasoning No Salt
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Creole Seasoning May substitute for Seasoned Salt
Oil
- Canola Oil or Frying Oil of your choice
Instructions
Catfish Preparation
- Place Catfish, Spice Blend and a generous pinch of Salt & Pepper in a mixing bowl. Using your hand, mix all together being sure to coat each Catfish piece with seasonings. Set aside to marinate while preparing Fish Fry Coating.
Fish Fry Coating
- Place Fish Fry Coating into a Mixing Bowl and stir to incorporate ingredients.
- Place a paper towel over a separate dish to catch excess oil when fried Catfish is done frying.
- Create an assembly line for minimum cleanup by the stove if room enables you too.
Frying Fish
- Heat a deep skillet or cast iron pan on medium/high filling with Canola or Oil of your choice deep enough just to reach right over Catfish bites. Temperature should read about 350°F.
- Dredge Catfish Bites into Cornmeal Mixture until fully coated being sure to press into it lightly. This ensures a nice thick crust. Place onto a dish and keep assembling while Oil is heating up.
- Once Oil reaches temperature, gently place dredged Catfish Bites in Oil and fry 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Do not overcrowd and fry in batches. Cooking time will vary depending on how big or small you cut your pieces. Remove and place on paper towel lined dish.
- Continue onto the next batch until all are fried to golden crispy bites.
Serving Suggestions
- Squeeze some fresh Lemon Juice over top and enjoy with a side of Rice & Beans, French Fries or any other favorite side of your choice. Enjoy!!!
