Best 2 Kid Friendly Catfish Sticks Recipes

Calling all seafood lovers, especially those with little ones! Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our irresistible Kid-Friendly Catfish Sticks. These crispy, golden-brown delights are not only a hit with kids but also a healthier alternative to traditional fish sticks. Dive into our collection of three exciting recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Our Classic Catfish Sticks recipe takes you back to the basics with a simple yet flavorful coating that lets the natural taste of catfish shine through. For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, our Spicy Catfish Sticks recipe adds a zesty twist with a blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. And if you're looking for a healthier option, our Baked Catfish Sticks recipe delivers a crispy crunch without the added oil. Whichever recipe you choose, you'll be serving up a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will love.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PARMESAN FISH STICKS

Parmesan Fish Sticks image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds cod or haddock fillets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
3 large eggs
Ketchup, for serving

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a sheet pan with the olive oil.
Cut the fish fillets into 2 1/2-inch-long and 1-inch-wide strips.
Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
Combine the breadcrumbs, parsley and butter with a fork in a separate shallow bowl. Add the Parmesan and stir to combine.
Beat the eggs in a third bowl.
Bread the fish by giving the strips a good coating of the seasoned flour. Tap off any excess. Dip in the beaten eggs until coated. Roll the egg-coated fish in the crumb mixture. If need be, press the breadcrumbs into the fish. Place on the oiled sheet pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the fish sticks and continue cooking until the breading is deep golden and the fish is cooked through, about another 8 minutes.
Serve with ketchup.

CATFISH STICKS

Catfish Sticks image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Categories main-dish

Time 55m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups ketchup
2 tablespoons horseradish
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Frank's Red Hot)
1 clove garlic, minced
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 catfish fillets (about 1 1/4 pounds), cut into roughly
2 1/2 by 1-inch strips
1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 tablespoon sugar

Steps:

To make the sauce: Mix all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until serving.
When ready to fry, fill a large heavy pot with enough oil to measure 1 1/2 inches up the side of the pan and heat to 350 degrees F.
To make the catfish sticks: In a measuring glass, mix together buttermilk, eggs, cayenne, salt and pepper. Pour into a large plastic bag, then add the catfish. Seal, removing as much air as possible, and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile place flour in a shallow bowl. Combine the bread crumbs with sugar and place in another shallow bowl. Remove fish from the buttermilk mixture and coat lightly with flour. Place strips back in the buttermilk and then dredge in the bread crumb mixture. Fry strips in batches for about 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve catfish sticks with dipping sauce.

Tips:

Use fresh or frozen catfish fillets. Fresh fillets are best, but frozen fillets can also be used. If using frozen fillets, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water for 30 minutes.
Cut the catfish fillets into 1-inch strips. This will help them cook evenly.
Season the catfish strips with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings, such as paprika, chili powder, or cumin.
Coat the catfish strips in flour. This will help them brown and crispy.
Dip the catfish strips in beaten eggs. This will help the bread crumbs adhere to the catfish.
Coat the catfish strips in bread crumbs. You can use plain bread crumbs or seasoned bread crumbs.
Fry the catfish strips in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. This will take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Drain the catfish strips on paper towels. This will help remove any excess oil.
Serve the catfish strips with your favorite dipping sauce. Some popular dipping sauces include tartar sauce, ranch dressing, and ketchup.

Conclusion:

Catfish sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for kids and adults alike. They are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and they can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make catfish sticks that are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.