Pecan-crusted catfish is a delectable dish that combines the delicate flavor of catfish with the nutty crunch of pecans. Originated from the Southern United States, this recipe offers a unique culinary experience that blends various textures and flavors. The catfish is coated in a flavorful breading made from crushed pecans, flour, and aromatic spices, then pan-fried to golden perfection. The result is a crispy exterior that yields to a tender and flaky fish interior, complemented by the nutty richness of the pecan crust. This article provides three tempting variations of pecan-crusted catfish: the classic Southern-style, a zesty Cajun-inspired version, and a refreshing Asian-style preparation. Each recipe offers a distinct flavor profile, ensuring that there's something to satisfy every palate. Whether you prefer the bold and spicy Cajun flavors, the aromatic and herbaceous Asian-style, or the comforting classic Southern-style, you're sure to find a pecan-crusted catfish recipe that will tantalize your taste buds.
Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!
PECAN-CRUSTED CATFISH WITH SPICY CREAM SAUCE
Provided by Melissa d'Arabian : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- For the pecan-crusted catfish: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper and set aside. Pulse the cornmeal with the pecans and some salt and pepper in a food processor until uniform and the size of breadcrumbs. Create a breading station with the flour on a plate, the milk and egg beaten together and the pecan-cornmeal mixture on another plate. Be sure to sprinkle salt and pepper on each part of the breading station. Dip the fish in the flour, then the egg, then the cornmeal mixture. Heat the oil in a large oven-safe saute pan over medium heat. Brown the coated catfish until golden on one side, about 3 minutes. Then turn the fillets over and place in the oven to finish cooking, about 10 minutes longer (a few minutes more if the fillets are thick).
- For the spicy cream sauce: Place the onions and garlic with the stock, wine and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Boil and reduce for 5 minutes, gently pressing on the onions and garlic to release the flavors. Remove the onion and garlic and discard. Turn down the heat to low and whisk in the steak sauce and lemon juice, then the sour cream. Allow to cook and reduce 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. (Place back on the heat for 10 seconds if needed to keep the temperature high enough.)
BAKED PECAN CRUSTED FISH
Pecan crusted fish is a delicious and nutritious family dinner.
Provided by Debby Mayne
Categories Seafood and Fish
Time 28m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray the bottom of a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a wide bowl, combine the mayonnaise and honey. Mix well.
- Dip the fish fillets in the mayonnaise and honey mixture. Coat the fish with pecans. I like to spread the pecans over a large plate or wax paper and press the fish into the pecans.
- Place the coated fish on the baking pan. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the fish for 18 minutes or until the fish is flaky.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 547 calories, Carbohydrate 12 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 123 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 38 grams fat, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 40 grams protein, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 335 grams sodium, Sugar 10 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 31 grams unsaturated fat
EASY PECAN-CRUSTED CATFISH
This satisfying meal is a perfect cold-weather warm-up. Serve it with our Carrot Slaw with Yogurt Dressing.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Seafood Recipes
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Grind cornmeal and pecans with salt and pepper in a food processor until nuts are finely ground. Transfer to a large shallow container. Dredge catfish in cornmeal mixture, patting it on to coat completely.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 2 fish fillets until golden brown and firm to the touch, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate; sprinkle with salt, and cover to keep warm.
- Wipe skillet with a paper towel. Repeat with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and fish. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 438 g
PECAN-CRUSTED CATFISH
Betty Crocker's Heart Healthy Cookbook shares a recipe! Looking for a seafood dinner? Then check out this great pecan-crusted catfish recipe that's ready in 30 minutes.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 450°F. Spray 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking spray. In large resealable food-storage plastic bag, mix corn flake crumbs, pecans, paprika, garlic powder and ground red pepper.
- In shallow dish or pie plate, beat egg white slightly with fork. Dip fish into egg white, then place in bag. Seal bag and shake until evenly coated. Place in pan.
- Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 240, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 85 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 115 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 0 g
PECAN CRUSTED CATFISH FINGER SANDWICH
Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a deep-fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the pot, to 350 degrees F.
- Cut the catfish into fingers. Set aside.
- Finely grind the pecans into crumbs in a food processor. Cook's Note: Do not over process the nuts or they will become too oily, like a nut butter, and unsuitable to use as a breading. Add the pecan crumbs to a casserole dish.
- Measure the buttermilk in a 1-cup liquid measure. Add the egg and beat well together. Pour into an 8 by 8-inch casserole dish.
- Add the panko, garlic powder, cayenne, salt and pepper, to taste, to the pecan crumbs in the casserole dish. Whisk together to combine.
- Set up an assembly line. Dredge catfish through the buttermilk mixture, then through the pecan mixture. You may need to press the pecans into the catfish to adhere.
- Add the catfish fingers to the hot oil and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes. Remove to a paper towel lined sheet tray to drain.
- Spread some Honey Mustard Sauce on inside of the toasted rolls. Add sliced tomatoes, lettuce and the catfish fingers. Serve and enjoy warm.
- Mix all the ingredients into a small mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
PECAN CRUSTED CATFISH
This recipe comes from the Dec 2009 issue of Woman's Day. It is an easy version of one of my favorite Southern Living Recipes that uses catfish. I think other varieties of fish would work well in this recipe as well as catfish - salmon, tilatipa and others.
Provided by Julie F
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 22m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Heat oven to 450. Line a rimmed baking pan with nonstick foil.
- Finely chop pecans, either by hand or in a food processor. Spread on a sheet of waxed paper. Put honey mustard in a small bowl and mix with 2 t water.
- Brush one side of fillets with honey mustard mixture, then press in chopped pecans. Place on baking pan.
- Bake 10 to 14 minutes or until fish is cooked through and pecans are toasted.
PECAN-CRUSTED CATFISH (MAKEOVER)
From Betty's Soul Food Collection... Everyone goes nuts for our Pecan-Crusted Catfish, baked instead of fried and an outstanding recipe for anyone watching their cholesterol.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat oven to 450°F. Spray 15x10-inch pan with sides with cooking spray. In large resealable plastic food-storage bag, place cornflake crumbs, pecans, salt, paprika, garlic powder and red pepper; shake to mix well.
- In shallow dish, beat egg whites slightly with fork. Dip fish into egg whites; place in bag. Seal bag and shake until fish is evenly coated. Place in pan.
- Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 230, Carbohydrate 5 g, Cholesterol 85 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 310 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 0 g
PECAN-CRUSTED FISH FILLETS
Turn the catch of the day into delicious dinner in only 25 minutes. Hot pecan-crusted fish fillets are cooked easily on stove top and are served with lemon wedges.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 25m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix pecans, bread crumbs and lemon peel in shallow bowl. Beat egg and milk with wire whisk or fork in another shallow bowl.
- Cut fish into 4 serving pieces. Sprinkle both sides of fish with salt and pepper. Coat fish with egg mixture, then coat well with pecan mixture, pressing slightly into fish.
- Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add fish. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 6 to 10 minutes, turning once carefully with 2 pancake turners, until fish flakes easily with fork and is brown. Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 350, Carbohydrate 10 g, Cholesterol 105 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 2 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 450 mg
PECAN-CRUSTED CATFISH
Steps:
- Grind the cornmeal and pecans with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a food processor until the nuts are finely ground. Transfer to a large, shallow container. Dredge the catfish in the cornmeal mixture, patting it on to coat completely.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 2 fish fillets until golden brown and firm to the touch, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer the fish to a plate; sprinkle with salt, and cover to keep warm.
- Wipe the skillet with a paper towel. Repeat with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and fish. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
- Carrot slaw with yogurt dressing
- In a food processor fitted with the shredding disk (or on the large holes of a box grater), grate the carrots. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, vinegar, mustard, sugar, and onion; season with salt and pepper. Add the carrots, cabbage, and dill to the bowl; toss well. Top the mixture with a plate that fits inside the bowl; weight with a heavy object. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.
CAJUN PECAN CATFISH
This is one of our favorite recipes. It's quick, easy and delicious. Just serve with a side salad, biscuits and mixed fruit for dessert. We like it a lot for Christmas Eve. -Jan Wilkins, Blytheville, Arkansas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°. In a small bowl, combine oil, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning and thyme. In another bowl, combine pecans, cheese, bread crumbs, parsley and 1 tablespoon of the oil mixture., Place catfish in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Brush with remaining oil mixture. Spread pecan mixture over fillets. Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 377 calories, Fat 28g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 82mg cholesterol, Sodium 277mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 29g protein.
SOUTHERN PECAN CATFISH
I coat the catfish in pecans, then top it with a thick, rich cream sauce. It looks like you spent all day on it, but it's actually very speedy to prepare. Garnish it with lemon wedges, parsley or more chopped pecans if you desire. -Mary Ann Griffin, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup pecans, cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Coat catfish with pecan mixture. , In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium-high heat; fry fillets for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove and keep warm., In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add remaining pecans; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add the cream, lemon juice and remaining salt and pepper; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in parsley. Serve with catfish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 633 calories, Fat 59g fat (24g saturated fat), Cholesterol 122mg cholesterol, Sodium 856mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 12g protein.
PECAN CRUSTED DIJON BAKED CATFISH
Simple, delicious alternative to frying catfish southern style. I was dubious about the mixture of pecans and Dijon, but it worked and produced a slightly tangy, crusty finish to the fish. If you've never tried catfish, it is a real treat. The least "fishy" fish I've ever had. My fillets were huge, so I made 1 1/2 times the topping mixture. From Southern Church Suppers
Provided by mammamia 2
Categories < 60 Mins
Time 45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 475.
- Spray baking pan with Pam or equivalent.
- Grind pecans in blender. Do not blend too long or you'll have powder.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, breadcrumbs, and pecans.
- Salt and pepper both side of fillets.
- Place rounded side up on baking pan.
- Rub 1 T of mustard on top of each fillet.
- Pat crumb mixture onto top of fillet, pressing it firmly over the mustard.
- Right before baking, spray each fillet lightly with Pam.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes or until fish flakes easily.
PECAN-CRUSTED CATFISH
Categories Milk/Cream Fish Bake Sauté Pecan White Wine Bon Appétit
Yield Makes 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- For sauce:
- Combine wine, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and garlic in small nonaluminum saucepan. Boil until liquid is reduced to 1/2 cup, about 8 minutes. Add cream. Boil until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in butter 1 tablespoon at a time. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Strain sauce into small bowl. Return sauce to pan.
- Meanwhile, prepare fish:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Place flour on large plate. Whisk milk and egg in shallow bowl to blend. Sprinkle catfish fillets with salt and pepper. Lightly coat catfish fillets in flour. Dip into milk mixture. Coat 1 side of fish with pecans. Lightly coat second side with flour.
- Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 fish fillets to skillet, nut side down, and cook until nuts begin to brown, about 2 minutes. Turn fish over; cook 1 minute. Using metal spatula, transfer fish, nut side up, to rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining fish and 1/2 tablespoon oil. Bake until opaque in center, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer catfish fillets to plates. Serve catfish with sauce.
Tips:
- Use fresh catfish fillets. Fresh catfish fillets will have a mild, sweet flavor and a firm texture. Avoid frozen catfish fillets, as they may be mushy or have a strong fishy flavor.
- Make sure the catfish fillets are dry before coating them. This will help the coating to adhere to the fish and prevent it from falling off during cooking.
- Use a light hand when coating the catfish fillets. Too much coating will make the fish greasy and heavy. Just a thin layer of coating is all you need.
- Cook the catfish fillets over medium heat. This will help to prevent the fish from overcooking and becoming dry.
- Cook the catfish fillets until they are opaque and flaky. The fish is done cooking when it flakes easily with a fork.
Conclusion:
Pecan-crusted catfish is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The catfish is coated in a flavorful pecan crust and then baked until it is flaky and tender. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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