How to cook delicious catfish: 8 recipes, culinary secrets

Culinary secrets

Considering the fact that catfish meat is loose and falls apart if not cooked correctly, first of all we will introduce our readers to culinary secrets, the knowledge of which will allow you to prepare not only tasty, but also beautiful dishes from catfish.

To prevent catfish steaks from falling apart during frying, they can be soaked in a strong salt solution or boiled in salted water beforehand. The brine is prepared from 50 g of salt per liter of water. When boiling, the salt concentration may be less.
The egg is also a binding component. If you dip the catfish pieces in batter before frying, they will not fall apart.
Catfish steaks should be fried, not braised. The pan should be hot, the oil should be boiling, and only then can you lay out the prepared steaks and fry. Do not cover the pan with a lid.
Do not exceed the cooking time for the catfish. Usually it takes 10-15 minutes to fry; it may take a little longer to bake. The exact cooking time for sea wolf dishes depends on the size of the pieces and the cooking time of other ingredients included in the dish.
When steamed and baked, catfish retains its shape better. These methods of preparing fish allow you to preserve more of the valuable substances it contains and make the dish less caloric.
If you are choosing steaks or thinking about how to dispose of a catfish carcass, know that the farther from the tail, the less dense the meat. It is advisable to cook the pieces located closer to the tail in the form of steaks, and use the rest for cutlets and soup.
You can often find fresh frozen catfish on sale. If you get impatient and try to speed up the process of defrosting fish using a microwave or warm water, then the above tips may no longer be necessary: due to the sharp temperature change, the fish will become so loose that frying or baking it so that the steaks retain their integrity will be difficult. impossible. Allow the product to thaw naturally.

Now you know how to properly cook catfish so that it does not fall apart when frying or baking. All that remains is to study the selection of recipes below, choose the appropriate option and begin culinary creativity.

How to deliciously cook catfish in a slow cooker

In industrial fishing, three types of catfish are caught: spotted, striped, and blue. Typically, blue catfish are offered for sale. It is the most useful, dishes made from it are much tastier. Usually the fish is processed directly on the ships and is sold frozen.

If you want to preserve all the beneficial properties, defrost the fish in natural conditions. Do not fill with water or microwave. Place first on the top shelf of the refrigerator unit. Then move it to the kitchen table.
To protect pieces of fish from losing their shape, roll them in breading, cook in batter, and bake in the oven. You can also fry without losing quality, but you need to know some secrets.
Chop coarsely and the fish will retain its appearance.
When frying, do not cover the pan and heat the oil thoroughly.

An amazingly useful gadget that has several functions. For example, “Steaming”. Simply and quickly, in a matter of minutes, you will prepare a delicious dietary dish. In this case, the catfish fillet can be marinated, and look for marinade recipes in any of the ones proposed above.

The second option is done in the “Baking” or “Frying” mode, if available.

We take:

Fish fillet.
Eggs, milk, flour breading, salt, sunflower oil, favorite seasonings.

Preparation:

Rub the fillets with seasonings. Set aside for 30 minutes.
Beat eggs with milk and salt. Pour oil into a bowl and heat it.
Dip the pieces into the batter and throw into the bowl. Fry each side until browned.

Video recipe for making delicious catfish shish kebab. Bon appetit!

Catfish fillet in batter

What do you need:

catfish fillet – 0.5 kg;
lemon or lime – 0.5 pcs.;
chicken egg – 1-2 pcs. (depends on the category);
vodka – 50 ml;
water – 120 ml;
salt, ground black pepper - to taste;
flour - how much will it take to prepare the batter of the desired consistency;
refined vegetable oil - as needed.

How to cook:

Carefully cut the thawed catfish carcass or steaks into fillets. If you have already prepared fillets, even better.
Cut the fillet into large pieces. Sprinkle them with lemon or lime juice.
Mix egg yolks with water and vodka. Don’t be afraid to use alcohol - it will make the batter crispier, absorb less fat during frying, and the taste and aroma of alcohol will completely evaporate when frying the catfish in a frying pan.
Shake the ingredients with a whisk.
Add sifted flour to obtain a dough similar in thickness to sour cream. Pepper and salt it.
Beat the whites and fold them into the dough.
Heat oil in a frying pan.
After dipping a piece of fish fillet in the batter, place it in boiling oil. Do the same with the other pieces.
Fry uncovered over medium heat until the batter is well browned.
Turn the pieces over. Reduce heat slightly. Fry until done.

Place fried catfish in batter on a napkin to remove excess oil. Fish prepared according to this recipe can be served as a hot or cold appetizer, with or without a side dish. If you choose a side dish, we recommend giving preference to mashed potatoes or vegetable stew; steamed or baked vegetables are also suitable.

Catfish fillet fried in a frying pan

The following set of products will be required:

Catfish fillet – 1 kg.
Sunflower oil (preferably refined) – about 50 ml.
Flour of the first or highest grade - about 250 g. To make the dish really tasty, you cannot do without spices such as salt and black pepper, as well as seasonings for fish.

The cooking technology is as follows:

The fillet is cut into portions, no more than 4 cm thick.
Diluted 1 tbsp. a spoonful of salt per 0.6 liters of water, after which pieces of fish are placed in the filtered solution.
The pieces should remain in this state for about 4 hours.
After this time, the pieces are rubbed with spices.
Place a frying pan with vegetable oil on the fire and heat it to the desired temperature.
Pieces of fish are coated in flour on all sides and placed on a heated frying pan.

The pieces are fried on all sides until golden brown. The pan should always be open.

Catfish steaks baked in the oven with potatoes

What do you need:

catfish steaks – 2 pcs. medium size;
potatoes – 4 pcs. medium size;
hard cheese – 80 g;
salt, fish spices - to taste;
refined vegetable oil - for lubricating the foil.

How to cook:

Prepare two pieces of foil large enough to wrap the catfish steaks and potatoes in. Lubricate them with vegetable oil.
Sprinkle fish steaks with spices and salt.
Peel the potatoes, cut into thin circles, place in the center of each piece of foil. Add salt and season.
Place the catfish pieces on top of the potatoes.
Finely grate the cheese.
Wrap the “pyramid” of potatoes and fish in foil and place on a baking sheet or in a mold.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Send the dish into it.
After 20 minutes, tear the foil, sprinkle cheese on the catfish and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes.

The dish can be served in foil “boats” or by carefully transferring the steaks to a plate, placing baked potatoes next to them and sprinkling it all with chopped herbs.

Catfish baked with vegetables

What do you need:

catfish steaks – 3-4 pcs.;
tomatoes – 2-3 pcs.;
onions – 1-2 pcs.;
carrots – 1-2 pcs.;
cheese (optional) – 60-80 g;
lemon juice – 20 ml;
vegetable oil - how much will be needed;
mayonnaise (you can use lean) – 50 ml;
salt, complex seasoning for fish - to your taste.

How to cook:

Rub the catfish steaks with salt and spices and sprinkle with lemon juice.
Grate the carrots, finely chop the onion, mix with a large spoon of mayonnaise.
Cut the tomatoes into slices.
Cover four pieces of foil on one side with oil and place a catfish steak on each piece.
Spread the carrot-onion mixture. Place tomato slices on it.
Brush the tomatoes with the remaining mayonnaise and cover with shavings of cheese. The last ingredient is optional, but it makes the dish tastier.
Pack the steaks with vegetables in foil and place the packages in an oven preheated to 200 degrees.

After half an hour, you can remove the shiny packages from the oven and serve the catfish. A side dish for this hot appetizer is not necessary, but it won’t be superfluous. If you find the courage to refuse to use cheese, get a lean version of the dish. By replacing mayonnaise with sour cream, you will make the food dietary. All of its options can become a decoration for the holiday table. The dish can be prepared for a birthday or for the New Year, guests will certainly be pleased.

Smoked catfish

Catfish soup, the recipe for which is published later in the article, is obtained with a particularly bright and interesting taste if you prepare it not from fresh fish, but from smoked fish. It is recommended to choose a hot smoked product. The dish also contains a lot of vegetables and spices. The most unusual of the additional additives is fennel. It is with it that the treat turns out to be especially tasty, so you should not try to replace such a component with anything.

What ingredients will you need?

For the dish you need to take:

hot smoked catfish – 770-800 g;
large head of fennel - 1 pc.;
sweet peppers (red and yellow), large onions - 2 pcs.;
garlic cloves – 3-4 pcs.;
heavy cream – 280-300 ml;
cumin seeds – 1 tsp;
salt, pepper, melted butter.

The cream for this recipe must have at least 20 percent fat content. Even better - 30 and above. Such dairy products are usually labeled “for whipping.” But you need to make sure that they are not intended specifically for desserts and are not sweet.

Step-by-step cooking process

The cooking process includes several stages:

The fish for soup is washed well and broken into pieces. The skin and bones go into the pan. The fillet is cut into small pieces and set aside.
Vegetables (1 onion and fennel) are washed and peeled. All their peelings also go into the pan. Even the stems and tip of the fennel.
The contents of the container are filled with filtered water - 1 liter will be enough. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil and leave to simmer for half an hour.
The finished broth should be strained and any excess should be discarded.
The remaining peeled onion is finely chopped along with the garlic.
Then both components are fried together in a pan with a thick bottom and a small amount of oil. The process will take approximately 8-9 minutes.
Sweet pepper, cut into neat small squares (it first gets rid of seeds, partitions and stalks), is fried separately in oil for 6-7 minutes. A couple of spoons of its pieces can be left to decorate the soup. The rest – mix with onion and garlic.
Chopped fennel and cumin are added to the already fried ingredients. You need to fry the food together for another 3-4 minutes. Afterwards, you can pour the broth over everything, bring to a boil, add pieces of fish pulp and cook for another quarter of an hour.

All that remains is to add salt and pepper to the treat, pour in cream, mash with a masher (you can use a blender if desired), and warm up.

Rules for serving dishes, decoration

When serving, the delicacy is decorated with leftover fried pepper. You can sprinkle each serving with your favorite seasonings.

Dietary recipe for catfish (steamed with vegetables)

What do you need:

catfish steak – 2 pcs.;
onions – 100 g;
cherry tomatoes – 6-8 pcs.;
frozen cauliflower – 0.2 kg;
lettuce leaves – 2 pcs.;
olive oil – 10 ml;
lemon juice – 10 ml;
salt, spices for fish dishes - to taste;
flour for breading - how much will be needed;
water - 0.5 l or according to the instructions for the steamer or multicooker.

How to cook:

Rub fish steaks with salt and spices, sprinkle with oil, and roll in flour. Place on the multicooker rack. Pour water into the main bowl.
Start the appliance by selecting the steam cooking mode. Set the timer for 20 minutes depending on the power of your unit.
Remove the fish, put cabbage in its place, cook it for the same time. 10 minutes before the cabbage is ready, add tomatoes.
Place lettuce leaves on plates, place steaks on them, and arrange onion rings, tomatoes and cauliflower around them. Onions can be pre-marinated in lemon juice.

Steaks can be cooked at the same time as cabbage. Then you first need to fry them in oil by selecting the “Frying” or “Baking” program, then splash in a little water, place a grill on top, put vegetables on it and run the unit in steaming mode for 20-25 minutes.

Catfish in creamy sauce

What do you need:

catfish (steaks or fillets) – 0.4-0.5 kg;
seaweed (pressed or pickled) – 100-150 g;
cream 15-20% fat – 0.5 l;
fish broth (can be replaced with vegetable broth) – 0.5 l;
salt, fish spices - to taste;
vegetable oil - how much will be needed.

How to cook:

Cut the catfish into portions and rub them with spices. Brown over high heat without cooking (in a greased frying pan).
Combine the cream with the broth, bring to a boil, cook until the volume of the sauce is reduced by one and a half times.
Add the seaweed, cook it in the sauce for 5 minutes, and puree it using an immersion blender.
Place the fried pieces of catfish in a greased form, pour half the sauce.
Place the pan in the oven, preheat it to 180 degrees, cook the food at this temperature for 20-25 minutes.
Place the catfish on plates, pour over the remaining sauce, reheat if necessary, and serve.

Catfish meat cooked in creamy sauce is tender. The dish itself is not too high in calories, but healthy. The recipe will appeal to those who care about their health.

Catfish fillet cooked in foil with vegetables

First of all, you need to prepare some products. For example:

Fish fillet, about 400 grams.
Hard cheese - about 180 grams.
Four medium sized carrots.
One onion (preferably red).
Crushed black pepper – about 5 grams.

Correct cooking technology:

The fillet is cut into small portions.
The prepared pieces are rubbed on all sides with a mixture of salt and pepper, and then laid out on foil.
The onion is peeled and cut into half rings.
The carrots are also peeled and grated.
After this, the vegetables are fried in a frying pan and laid out on top of the fillet.
Hard cheese is crushed (also on a grater) and laid out on top of the vegetables.
The prepared dish is wrapped in foil and placed on a baking sheet.

Before starting cooking, the oven is heated to a temperature of at least 180 degrees and only then a baking sheet with a dish is placed in it for 40 minutes.

The finished dish is served with garlic and cream sauce, and boiled potatoes, as well as rice or buckwheat, are suitable as a side dish.

Catfish soup

What do you need:

catfish – 0.25 kg;
potatoes – 0.3 kg;
carrots – 100 g;
onions – 100 g;
rolled oats – 20 g;
water – 1.5 l;
bay leaf – 1 pc.;
salt, pepper - to taste.

Cooking method:

Pour water over a piece of catfish and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat, add peppercorns and bay leaf.
Cook the fish for 20-30 minutes, covering the pan with a lid.
Strain the broth and separate the fish meat from the bones.
Add finely chopped onion, coarsely grated carrots and potatoes cut into small cubes into the broth. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
Add boiled fish fillet, rolled oats, salt, finely chopped herbs. Cook for another 5 minutes after the soup boils.
Let the ear sit for 10-20 minutes.

When serving, you can put a spoonful of sour cream or a piece of butter on each plate with fish soup, then it will become much tastier.

You will find even more recipes for delicious fish soup in our report from the Abakumovskaya Rybka festival.

With cream

The most delicate fish soup can be prepared with cream. From dairy products, cheese will also be added to it immediately. But it is best to take not hard cheese, but processed cheese. Such cheese must be of high quality so that it dissolves well in the hot broth.

Today you can even find special soup curds on sale. They melt instantly and make the treat not only tasty, but also very appetizing to look at. It is important to choose cheese curds without additional additives. They will be superfluous in fish soup.

What ingredients will you need?

For the dish you need to take:

catfish – 370-400 g;
carrots and large potatoes - 2 pcs.;
fresh dill and parsley - 1 bunch each for about 20-30 g;
processed cheese (suitable for soup) – 2 pcs.;
sunflower and butter – 45-50 g each;
salt, spices.

Catfish soup - creamy recipe.

These products are taken for approximately 3 liters of liquid. If there is not enough catfish in the soup, it can be mixed with trout and pink salmon.

Step-by-step cooking process

The cooking process includes several stages:

You can immediately place all the fish in a large saucepan with 2 liters of water. It will be used directly frozen.
Afterwards, minimal heating is turned on under the container for half an hour. If you choose fresh fish for the recipe or it has been previously defrosted, you can skip this step of heating the product.
One peeled potato should be added to the catfish in the pan. After boiling, the food will cook without boiling for about 20 minutes.
Carrots and onions need to be peeled. Afterwards they are chopped into fairly large pieces and browned in a mixture of butter and vegetable oil. Heating of the stove should be minimal. The whole process will take about a quarter of an hour. Be sure to stir the products periodically.
The second potato is chopped into large cubes and filled with ice water. The cheeses are cut into pieces so that they dissolve faster and better in the soup.
From the pan with the base of the future soup, you need to remove the whole potato and all the fish. These components are replaced with chopped potatoes and cheese. The ingredients should be stirred constantly until the cheese is completely dissolved. Next, the mass will cook for about a quarter of an hour without boiling.
The fresh herbs stated in the recipe are divided into components. You need to cut it into stems and leaves. The former will be chopped finely, and the latter – coarsely.
The fish that has already been cooked and removed from the pan will need to be disassembled into parts. Its skin and bones are thrown away. They will not be useful later in the recipe. And boiled potatoes are well mashed with a fork.
To assemble all the delicious soup, you need to add mashed potatoes, fried vegetables, all the herbs, salt, spices and fish pieces into the cheese broth.

After stirring, the treat will cook without boiling for another couple of minutes.

Rules for serving dishes, decoration

It is advisable to let the soup brew for 2.5-3 hours before serving. Then its taste will be especially bright and rich. The treat is served in portioned bowls with pieces of soft bread.

Catfish cutlets

What do you need:

catfish fillet – 0.5 kg;
lard – 50 g (optional);
chicken egg – 1 pc.;
onions – 1 pc.;
semolina – 50 g;
milk – 80 ml;
garlic – 1 clove;
parsley, dill - to taste;
seasonings - to taste;
breadcrumbs, vegetable oil - as needed.

How to cook:

Pass the catfish fillet through a meat grinder along with onions and lard.
Break the egg into the minced meat, add the garlic passed through a press, finely chopped herbs, seasonings and salt. Mix well.
Pour warm milk over semolina, let stand for 5 minutes, transfer to minced meat. Mix everything together and leave for another 10-15 minutes so that the semolina has time to soak and swell.
Form small cutlets from minced fish, bread them and fry on both sides in boiling oil.

Tender and juicy catfish cutlets are loved by both adults and children. They are usually served with a vegetable side dish. Steamed or fried broccoli and cauliflower are ideal. Catfish cutlets also go well with mashed potatoes and green peas.

Catfish steak in foil in the oven (diet)

It’s possible to cook a full lunch or dinner in half an hour. Adding vegetables will make the dish dietary, but no less tasty.

Fish – 800 gr.
Broccoli – 200 gr.
Cauliflower – 200 gr.
Garlic – 10 gr.
Butter – 80 gr.
Coriander, cilantro (oregano, thyme, basil).
Lemon.
Pepper, salt.

Cut the fish carcass into steaks.
Finely chop the garlic cloves. Chop the cilantro or other herbs listed in the recipe.
Divide the lemon into 8 slices.
Rinse both types of cabbage and divide into small florets.
Melt a piece of butter in a frying pan, add garlic and cilantro to fry. Hold for about 30 seconds, turn off.
Cut the foil into 8 pieces, 4 of which will be used to form the dish, the rest will go on top.
Pour a little garlic oil onto 4 leaves and spread. Add 2 mugs of lemon. Place the steak on them.
Distribute cabbage inflorescences equally among all preparations. Spill the remaining oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with the remaining sheets of foil and seal them with an envelope.
Cook at 200 o C, setting the timer for 10-15 minutes.