Catfish is an Eastern European cuisine icon, and there are several methods to make it. Arguments abound over whether it is the tastiest deep-fried, battered, cornmeal-breaded, grilled, or just coated in flour. This is, in our opinion, a healthy argument. Catfish steaks, regardless of cooking method, are a heartier alternative for a tasty and nutritious supper. The texture of catfish and fish, in general, is excellent. Even if you overcook the fish for some time, it remains delicate and moist. The less fatty catfish does not have the Omega-3 loaded in them that salmon or mackerel have, but it does have plenty of other nutrients. It’s time to learn how to cook catfish steak and give a taste to this magnificent freshwater fish.
Ingredients for Fried Catfish steak
- 4 to 6 catfish steaks (about 1 to 2 pounds)
- 1 cup of buttermilk or milk
- Tablespoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of coarse cornmeal
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- One teaspoon of powdered ginger
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- One tablespoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- One-half teaspoon of celery seed
- frying oil (use peanut oil if you can)
How to Cook Catfish Steak – Fried
Step 1- Heat the oil in the pan, then heat the warming oven: In a heavy pan, add a sufficient amount of oil to come halfway up the sides of the pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat. Preheat the microwave to 200°F and place a cookie sheet with parchment paper. On top of the cookie sheet, place a wire rack.
Step 2- Immerse catfish steaks in milk or buttermilk: Soak the catfish in milk or buttermilk while the oil heats.
Step 3- Dredge with cornmeal, flour, and spices: Combine the cornmeal, flour, and spices. (Alternatively, you can use your preferred seasoning instead.) Set aside in a shallow dish to dredge.
Step 4- Dredge the fillets in the flour mixture before frying them in hot oil.
Step 5- Allow the oil to heat to 350°F. A simple test is to drop a small amount of dry breading into the oil; you are ready to begin if it sizzles immediately. Once the oil is heated, season the catfish fillets and dredge them in the breading. Shake off any excess and carefully place in the heated oil.
Step 6- Fry till golden brown, 2-4 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillet. Turn the salmon over with a metal spatula and cook for another 2-4 minutes. Cast iron heats up quickly and stays hot, so keep an eye on the temperature while you cook; you may need to reduce the heat on the burner at some time.
Step 7- Keep cooked steaks warm in the microwave: When the fish is done, place it in the oven while you finish making the rest of the catfish. Keep the fried catfish warm in the microwave to keep it crispy. When they are finished, serve them all at once with your preferred spicy sauce.
Ingredients for Baked Catfish Steak
- One steak of catfish (600 g)
- A single tomato
- A single onion
- Half of lemon
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- Herbs such as basil, sage, or dry rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- One teaspoon of ginger powder
- One teaspoon of garlic powder
How to Cook Catfish Steak – Baked
Step 1- Thoroughly wash the catfish steak underneath running cold water, wipe it dry with paper or cloth towels, and place it in a big mixing bowl. Squeeze half lemons into a bowl and season with salt and pepper, ginger, and garlic powder to taste. Make certain that both sides of a fish steak are equally marinated. Allow it to settle for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2- Cut the onion in the respective desired shapes. Place thin slices of the onion in the middle of a big sheet of foil. Garnish with dried basil, parsley, and thyme. Place thinly sliced tomato on top of the onion.
Step 3- Make sure to smear the immersed steak with olive oil or any vegetable oil, sprinkle with additional herbs, and keep the marinated catfish steak with vegetables.
Step 4- Cover the catfish and vegetables in silver foil securely and tightly. Pre-heat the microwave to 200 degrees Celsius/400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake the steak for a further 10 minutes. It will make the catfish steak change into a beautiful golden brown color.
Ingredients for Crispy Deep-Fried Catfish Steaks
- Three steaks of catfish
- Half cup of rice flour
- Half cup of all-purpose flour
- One tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- Half teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper powder
- One teaspoon of garlic powder
- One tablespoon of onion powder
- Season with salt and pepper to fit your taste
- 1 Lemon
- One iced water bowl
- Deep-frying oil (prefer olive oil or vegetable oil)
Steps to prepare Crispy Deep-Fried Catfish Steaks
Step 1- The catfish steaks should be cleaned. Set aside for 5-10 minutes after squeezing the 1-2 teaspoon juice of a lemon on the steak.
Step 2- In a big mixing container, combine flour; add rice flour, all the herbs, and Italian Seasoning, baking powder, white pepper powder, dried garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Thoroughly combine this mixture. Seasoning should be liberally and evenly sprinkled on the catfish steak and base.
Step 3- Soak each catfish steak in chilling water before coating it in the above-made batter combination. If you want a thicker coating, return the covered catfish steaks to the cold water and coat them again.
Step 4- In a frying pan over average heat, heat the oil. If you do not have a thermometer, drop some cornmeal in the oil to test it. It should not be popping but rather softly bubbling.
Step 5- Now arrange the steaks in a pan grasped with oil, and let it heat up a bit. Fry the catfish steaks for 8-10 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Step 6- Now serve these lip-smacking bites, with your favorite side dishes and hot sauce.
If you didn’t taste this fish yet, it’s about time that you do so. You’ll be surprised how delicious freshwater fish can be. Try it and let us know the results, hopefully, this article helped you learn how to cook catfish steak.
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