Introducing the mouthwatering and soul-satisfying Southern Oven-Fried Catfish with Tartar Recipe. This classic Southern dish combines crispy, golden brown catfish fillets with a tangy and creamy homemade tartar sauce. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, this recipe will surely become a favorite at your dinner table. So, let’s dive in and master this Southern delicacy together!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Southern Oven-Fried Catfish with Tartar
Ingredients:
- 4 catfish fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup of cornmeal
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Catfish
To begin, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Submerge the Catfish
Dip each catfish fillet into the milk, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the catfish fillets with the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Drizzle a little vegetable oil over the coated catfish fillets. This will help them crisp up in the oven. Bake the catfish for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Turn the fillets halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Whisk Together the Tartar Sauce
While the catfish is baking, prepare the tartar sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, red onion, chopped parsley, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well blended. Taste and adjust the flavors if desired by adding more relish or mustard.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the catfish is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the catfish hot with a generous dollop of tartar sauce on the side. For a complete Southern experience, consider serving it with creamy coleslaw, hush puppies, or collard greens. The crispy coating, tender catfish, and tangy tartar sauce create a delightful flavor combination that will leave you craving for more.
Tips:
- If you can’t find catfish fillets, you can substitute with other firm white fish like tilapia or cod.
- Make sure to thoroughly pat dry the catfish fillets before dipping them in the milk to ensure the coating adheres properly.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating mixture.
- To reduce the calories and fat content, you can opt for baking spray instead of drizzling vegetable oil over the catfish fillets before baking.
Variations:
- Experiment with different spices and herbs in the coating mixture. Add some smoked paprika or dried herbs like thyme or oregano for additional flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour in the coating.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can pan-fry the catfish fillets in a small amount of oil instead of using the oven.
With its crispy exterior, tender fish, and tangy tartar sauce, the Southern Oven-Fried Catfish is a true delight. The aroma of the spices and the satisfying crunch will transport you to Southern comfort food heaven. So, grab your apron, head to your kitchen, and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Remember to share a photo of your masterful creation on social media and tag us @aazmihealth. We can’t wait to see your culinary skills in action. Enjoy!
