Prepare to be transported to the heart of Southern comfort food with this mouthwatering Oven Fried Catfish and Celery Slaw recipe that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine! Imagine perfectly crispy, golden-brown catfish fillets that crunch with every bite, paired with a refreshing, tangy celery slaw that adds the perfect balance of texture and flavor. This isn't just another fish recipe - it's a culinary adventure that brings the warmth of Southern cooking straight to your kitchen, without the mess of deep frying!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 4 cups shredded celery
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a seasoned breading mixture.
- Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish. Dip each catfish fillet first into the buttermilk, ensuring complete coverage, then coat evenly with the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to help the breading adhere.
- Place breaded catfish fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Lightly spray the top of the fillets with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy exterior.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the fish is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
- While the fish is baking, prepare the celery slaw. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar to create a dressing.
- Add shredded celery to the dressing and toss until the celery is evenly coated. Let the slaw sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove catfish from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve each fillet with a generous portion of celery slaw on the side.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired, and serve immediately while the fish is hot and crispy.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F for that perfect crispy exterior.
- Breading Technique: Press the cornmeal mixture gently onto the fish to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Cooking Spray Trick: Lightly spraying the breaded fish helps achieve a golden, crispy finish without deep frying.
- Slaw Preparation: Let the celery slaw sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh catfish fillets for the most tender and flavorful result.
- Internal Temperature: Always check that the fish reaches 145°F for safe and perfectly cooked fish.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the catfish while it's hot and crispy for the best texture and taste.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a beautiful finishing touch to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
