Best 7 Marinade For Catfish Recipes

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**Catfish**, a mild-flavored and versatile fish, has a firm texture that can withstand bolder flavors. Marinating catfish not only enhances its taste but also tenderizes it, making it perfect for various cooking methods. This article presents a collection of tantalizing marinade recipes that will transform your catfish into a culinary delight. From classic Southern-style marinades to Asian-inspired concoctions, these recipes cater to diverse palates and preferences. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of marinating catfish, ensuring a moist, succulent, and unforgettable dish every time.

**Classic Southern-Style Catfish Marinade**:

* This marinade, a staple in Southern cooking, combines the tanginess of lemon juice, the smokiness of paprika, and the aromatic blend of garlic, onion, and black pepper. The result is a perfectly balanced marinade that infuses the catfish with a savory and slightly spicy flavor.

**Buttermilk Catfish Marinade**:

* Buttermilk, known for its tenderizing properties, forms the base of this marinade. Garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley add a refreshing and herbaceous touch, while Dijon mustard provides a subtle sharpness. This marinade guarantees moist and flaky catfish with a delicate flavor profile.

**Asian-Inspired Catfish Marinade**:

* This marinade draws inspiration from Southeast Asian cuisine, featuring a harmonious blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. The addition of brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while garlic and green onions contribute their aromatic qualities. This marinade imparts an umami-rich flavor to the catfish, making it perfect for stir-fries or grilling.

**Grilled Catfish Marinade**:

* Designed specifically for grilling, this marinade combines the zesty flavors of citrus fruits, the smokiness of chipotle peppers, and the earthy notes of cumin and chili powder. The marinade not only enhances the catfish's taste but also creates a beautiful char when grilled, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing.

**Baked Catfish Marinade**:

* This marinade is specially crafted for baked catfish, featuring a harmonious blend of herbs and spices. Garlic, thyme, rosemary, and paprika come together to create a fragrant and flavorful marinade that infuses the catfish with a savory and aromatic taste. The result is a moist and tender baked catfish that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHERN FRIED CATFISH



Southern Fried Catfish image

Fried catfish is a Southern tradition, along with buttermilk hush puppies and buttermilk coleslaw. Try these traditional foods together.

Provided by Mama Smith

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Catfish

Time 30m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

½ cup buttermilk
½ cup water
salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound catfish fillets, cut in strips
1 ½ cups fine cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
1 quart vegetable oil for deep frying

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture into a flat pan large enough to hold the fillets. Spread fish in one layer over bottom of pan, turning to coat each side, and set aside to marinate.
  • In a 2 gallon resealable plastic bag, combine the cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning. Add fish to mixture, a few fillets at a time, and tumble gently to coat evenly.
  • Heat oil in deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
  • Deep fry fillets until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Avoid overcrowding so fillets have room to brown properly. Fish should be slightly crisp outside, and moist and flaky inside. Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1427.2 calories, Carbohydrate 131.6 g, Cholesterol 145 mg, Fat 78.6 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 45.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.2 g, Sodium 799.9 mg, Sugar 5.9 g

SIMPLE GRILLED CATFISH



Simple Grilled Catfish image

Catfish fillets are brushed with Worcestershire sauce then grilled until done, making for a super-simple and tasty dinner you can make in no time.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories     Entree     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 pound skinless catfish fillets
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Brush and oil the grates so that you have a clean grilling surface for the fish.
  • Brush the catfish fillets with the Worcestershire sauce and sprinkle with the ground pepper.
  • Place the fish on the preheated grill. If using a charcoal grill, place the fillets about 4 to 6 inches from the heat. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Brush again and turn. Grill about 5 minutes longer, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Sprinkle with salt, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 222 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 28 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 217 mg, Sugar 0 g, Fat 11 g, ServingSize 4 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

TODD RICHARDS'S FRIED CATFISH WITH HOT SAUCE



Todd Richards's Fried Catfish With Hot Sauce image

The Atlanta chef Todd Richards says his mother made catfish on Fridays as part of her weekly rotation of dishes. She let the fish sit in cornmeal for about five minutes before frying, a technique that he said resulted in very crispy fish. He uses the same method in this recipe, adapted from his cookbook, "Soul: A Chef's Culinary Evolution in 150 Recipes" (Oxmoor House, 2018). If you're using boneless catfish, this dish can be served as a sandwich.

Provided by Korsha Wilson

Categories     easy, main course

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups (16 ounces) whole buttermilk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon granulated onion or onion powder
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds catfish fillets, cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces
2 cups (about 8 1/2 ounces) plain yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Combine the buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, granulated garlic, granulated onion and 1 teaspoon each of the salt and black pepper in a large bowl or large resealable plastic freezer bag. Add catfish pieces; cover or seal and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours.
  • Whisk together the cornmeal, cayenne and remaining 3 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a shallow dish or pie pan.
  • Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet to 350 degrees over medium heat.
  • Remove the catfish from the buttermilk mixture and dredge in the cornmeal. Let stand 5 minutes.
  • Fry the catfish (large pieces first), in batches, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve with additional hot sauce.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 987, UnsaturatedFat 57 grams, Carbohydrate 56 grams, Fat 69 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 34 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 957 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 1 gram

EASY CATFISH SOY MARINADE (GRILL OR BROIL)



Easy Catfish Soy Marinade (Grill or Broil) image

Make and share this Easy Catfish Soy Marinade (Grill or Broil) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Oolala

Categories     Catfish

Time 50m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons dry white wine
1 lb catfish fillet

Steps:

  • Make marinade by mixing the soy sauce, red pepper flakes and wine together.
  • Marinate catfish for 30 minutes or more in the refrigerator.
  • Grill fish over hot coals or broil in the oven approximately 5-7 minutes, depending on thickness of the fish.
  • Baste often with marinade.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 335.3, Fat 17.2, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 106.5, Sodium 1126.7, Carbohydrate 1.7, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.5, Protein 37.2

MUSTARD FRIED CATFISH



Mustard Fried Catfish image

"I make this meal on a monthly basis," writes Barbara Keith from Faucett, MIssouri. "The fish is so delicious and flaky, and it's easy to prepare, too." If you can't find catfish, purchase orange roughy or cod instead.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup prepared mustard
4 catfish fillets (6 ounces each)
Oil for frying

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Spread mustard over both sides of fillets; coat with cornmeal mixture., In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry fillets, a few at a time, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 460 calories, Fat 31g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 80mg cholesterol, Sodium 579mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

CAJUN BLACKENED CATFISH



Cajun Blackened Catfish image

This is a recipe that I obtained from a very good Cajun friend who is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana. His family adopted me (friendly) many years ago and we have swapped Cajun and Creole recipes through the years.

Provided by Paul Schultz

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Catfish

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
4 (4 ounce) catfish fillets, skinned
¾ cup unsalted butter

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, mix together the black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, oregano, and thyme until thoroughly combined. Press the catfish fillets into the spice mixture to thoroughly coat.
  • Arrange a portable heat source outdoors, such as a butane burner or side burner of a gas grill. Melt butter in a glass or metal bowl. Light the burner, and place a large cast-iron skillet onto the burner over high heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of melted butter into the skillet; set remaining 1/2 cup of butter aside.
  • When the butter in the skillet is smoking hot, lay the catfish fillets into the skillet. Cook until the spices are burned onto the fillets and the catfish is opaque and flaky inside, about 3 minutes per side. Don't breathe smoke from burning spices. To serve, pour remaining 1/2 cup of butter over the catfish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 466.3 calories, Carbohydrate 2.2 g, Cholesterol 144.1 mg, Fat 43.2 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 18.2 g, SaturatedFat 23.9 g, Sodium 545.7 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

MARINADE FOR CATFISH



Marinade for Catfish image

Make and share this Marinade for Catfish recipe from Food.com.

Provided by foodart

Categories     Catfish

Time P1D

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 ounces orange concentrate
2 cups soy sauce
2 cups sugar
2 cups chinese rice wine
1/2 cup minced garlic
1/2 cup minced ginger
1 cup minced green onion
1 tablespoon salt
2 lbs whole catfish

Steps:

  • To marinade the catfish clean and make three cut into the meaty side of the catfish and place into marinade for 24 hours or more. Remove the catfish and cover with cornstarch inside and out side. Dip the catfish in cornstarch and pat off to remove extra cornstarch. Place into a deep fryer onto golden brown. Drain onto paper towel. Serve with Chinese black bean sauce. Top with diced tomatoes and green onion.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 2156.8, Fat 28, SaturatedFat 6.1, Cholesterol 249.3, Sodium 20048.9, Carbohydrate 312.3, Fiber 6.2, Sugar 270.5, Protein 108.1

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Fish: Select fresh catfish fillets or steaks with a mild flavor and firm texture.
  • Make a Flavorful Marinade: Combine acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar with herbs, spices, and aromatics to create a flavorful marinade.
  • Marinate for Optimal Time: Marinate the catfish for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  • Use a Variety of Cooking Methods: Catfish can be grilled, baked, fried, or pan-seared, depending on your preference and the recipe.
  • Control the Heat: Cook the catfish over medium heat to prevent it from overcooking and becoming dry.
  • Flake and Serve: Once cooked, the catfish should flake easily with a fork. Serve it hot with your favorite sides.

Conclusion:

With its mild flavor and versatility, catfish is a delicious and affordable fish that can be enjoyed in various ways. By following these tips and experimenting with different marinade recipes, you can create mouthwatering catfish dishes that will impress your family and friends. Whether you prefer grilled, baked, fried, or pan-seared catfish, the key is to marinate it properly and cook it over medium heat to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. So, next time you're looking for a tasty and budget-friendly seafood option, give catfish a try and let its delicate flavors shine through.

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