Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner idea that is ready in less than 30 minutes? Look no further than this baked catfish nuggets recipe! These bite-sized pieces of tender, flaky catfish are coated in a light and crispy panko breading seasoned with garlic, making them a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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What we love about this recipe
Not only are they quick and easy to make, but baked catfish nuggets are also kid-friendly, and a healthier alternative to fried catfish, with less oil and fewer calories. Plus, these delicious nuggets are versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or snack, making them a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
The flavor of the catfish pairs well with a variety of sauces and dips, such as tartar sauce, ranch dressing, or hot sauce, allowing you to customize the taste to your liking.
Ingredients needed
- Catfish Filets - Cut the catfish into bite sized pieces. About 1 ½ - inch pieces.
- Panko Crumbs - The panko crumbs add a nice light, crisp coating.
- Bread Crumbs - Bread crumbs are a good base for the catfish nugget coating.
- Canola Oil - A bit of oil in the coating mixture helps the coating stick to the catfish and help make the nuggets crispy when baked.
- Garlic Powder - Garlic powder mixed with salt and pepper if a perfect, simple seasoning mix. If you prefer a bit of spice, trying using Cajun / Creole seasoning, or a few dashes of cayenne pepper. Lemon pepper seasoning also works well.
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Nonstick Cooking Spray
How to make catfish nuggets in the oven
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Set the catfish filets on some paper towels to dry off any excess moisture. Then, cut the catfish into bite-size pieces. About 1 - 1 ½ inch sections.
In a medium-sized bowl or a zip-loc bag, mix together the panko, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and canola oil, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
Drizzle 2 or 3 teaspoons of canola oil onto a baking sheet, ensuring it is coated evenly.
Next, dip the catfish bites into the panko mixture, or place a few pieces at a time in the zip-loc bag and shake until they are coated (similar to the "shake and bake" method).
Arrange the catfish nuggets in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Lightly spray the tops with non-stick spray.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and turn the catfish nuggets over when there are approximately 3 to 4 minutes of cooking time remaining. Cook until the catfish is fork-tender.
The Baked Catfish Nuggets will turn golden brown and slightly crispy.
What to serve with this catfish recipe
Dishes that go well with these oven fried catfish nuggets are potatoes that are roasted in the oven, a simple garlic bread, or a delicious broccoli salad.
How to make a simple tartar sauce
These catfish nuggets are excellent with tartar sauce. I typically whip up a simple homemade tartar sauce using mayonnaise, a splash of lemon juice (if I have it available) and dill relish. Mix the tartar sauce ingredients together and let it set in the refrigerator while you make the catfish nuggets.
Mom Tip
Kids love finger foods, and these Baked Catfish Nuggets are a perfect choice to add to your dinner rotation. You might also want to try ranch dressing as a dipping sauce for the little ones.
Recipe FAQ's
The catfish nuggets are done when they are fork-tender and the coating is golden brown.
Yes, you can use other types of white fish such as tilapia, cod, or haddock.
Yes, you can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs. However, the texture may not be as crispy.
In conclusion, baked catfish nuggets are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner idea, a light lunch, or a mid-afternoon snack, baked catfish nuggets are a healthy and flavorful option that you won't regret trying.
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Recipe
Baked Catfish Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Catfish Filets cut into 1-inch squares
- ⅔ cup Panko
- ⅔ cup Bread Crumbs
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 tablespoons Canola Oil divided
- ½ teaspoon Salt more or less to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper more or less to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Cut the catfish into bite-size pieces. About 1 to 1 ½-inch squares.
- In a bowl or a Zip-loc bag, mix together the panko, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and canola oil. Mix well.
- Drizzle the remaining canola oil onto a baking sheet.
- Dip the catfish bites into the panko mixture, or place a few pieces at a time in the Zip-loc bag and shake. (shake and bake style!)
- Place the catfish nuggets on the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure to not overcrowd the pan.
- Spray the tops lightly with the non-stick spray.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes. Turn the catfish nuggets over and continue to bake for another 2 - 5 minutes.
- The nuggets are done when they are fork-tender.
Shawn
Wonderful an easy thanks