DEEP FRIED CATFISH BITES WITH A KICKBACK SAUCE

Deep Fried Catfish Bites with a Kickback Sauce image

I love good catfish, and these have just the right amount of flavor in the coating so that they don't overpower the taste of the fish. Add to that a kickback dipping sauce, and you have all the ingredients for a great meal. You can even use the leftover batter to make hushpuppies. So, you ready... Let's get into the...

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 23

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Ingredients

DIPPING SAUCE
1/2 c mayonnaise
2 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp fresh honey
1 tsp brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
hot sauce, to taste (i like frank's)
salt, kosher variety, to taste
THE CATFISH
1 c flour, all purpose variety
1 c yellow cornmeal
1 Tbsp baking powder
2 tsp salt, kosher variety, or to taste
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
12 oz amber beer
24 oz catfish fillets
1 Tbsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
tsp ground paprika/dill or both (optional)
peanut oil, my favorite oil for deep-frying.
lemon wedges (for serving)

Steps:

1. DIPPING SAUCE
2. Gather your ingredients.
3. Add the mayonnaise, brown mustard, lime juice, honey, brown sugar, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl.
4. Whisk to combine.
5. Season with hot sauce and salt to your own particular tastes.
6. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
7. Cover, and reserve.
8. Chef's Note: If you have the time, allow the dipping sauce to sit for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. This will help give the ingredients a chance to know each other.
9. THE CATFISH
10. Gather your ingredients.
11. Cut the catfish into bite-sized pieces, and reserve.
12. Add the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt and the cayenne pepper to a large bowl.
13. Whisk to combine.
14. Chef's Note: Adjust the salt to your own tastes, or leave it out altogether.
15. Add the beer.
16. Whisk until there are no lumps and the mixture is completely smooth.
17. Chef's Tip: If you have any left over beer, you should drink it down. We don't want anything wasted.
18. Chef's Note: If the batter is still a bit thick, add some water to thin it down.
19. Mix the remaining 1-teaspoon of salt with the pepper, garlic powder, and paprika and/or dill, if using.
20. Use this to lightly season the fish on both sides.
21. Chef's Note: You will probably have more of the salt/pepper/garlic mixture than what you need. Discard any that's left.
22. Preheat your oil to 350f (176c).
23. Chef's Tip: If you have a deep fryer, most are preset to this temperature. If you are using a pot, then use a thermometer to keep the temperature as close to 350f (176c) as possible.
24. Dip a piece of catfish into the batter and then carefully place into the hot oil.
25. Chef's Tip: Place several pieces into the oil, but don't overcrowd.
26. Keep the catfish moving in the oil so that they don't stick.
27. Fry until the catfish bites are nice and brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.
28. Place the cooked catfish on a paper towel, and repeat for the remaining catfish.
29. Chef's Tip: To keep the catfish warm, you might want to place them on a paper-towel lined baking sheet. Preset the oven to 200f (94c), and keep them in there until ready to serve.
30. Chef's Note: If you have any batter left over, and you probably will, drizzle it into the hot oil, and make some crunchies, put them in the plate and lay the catfish on top. I think some people like the crunchies more than the catfish.
31. To serve, add to a serving plate, with the dipping sauce on the side. Add a few lemon wedges, and there you go. Enjoy.
32. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

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prince gazi

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Overall, I thought this recipe was just okay. The catfish bites were good, but the kickback sauce was a bit too spicy for my taste.

bingo bango

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I followed the recipe exactly, but the catfish bites didn't turn out crispy. I think I'll try frying them at a higher temperature next time.

ATEEQ U Rahman

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The catfish bites were a bit overcooked, but the kickback sauce was delicious.

Farzana Aktar

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These catfish bites were a bit bland for my taste. I think I'll add more spices to the breading next time.

Jeff Telly

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The kickback sauce is a bit too spicy for me, but I still enjoyed the catfish bites. Next time, I'll try making the sauce with less cayenne pepper.

Brian Hollingsworth

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I'm not a huge fan of catfish, but I really enjoyed these bites. The breading was crispy and flavorful, and the fish was cooked perfectly.

Zai Bolden

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These catfish bites are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. They're also great for parties or potlucks.

Sita Koirala

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I love that this recipe uses simple ingredients that I always have on hand. It's a great way to use up leftover catfish.

Sofia Santiago

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I've made this recipe several times and it always turns out perfect. The catfish bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the kickback sauce is the perfect dipping sauce.