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Catfish Nuggets & Cheesy Grits

Spicy Fried Catfish Nuggets served over Cheesy Grits topped off with fried Shallots & Garlic with a drizzle of Chili Oil.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 4

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.