What can a pescetarian or seafoodie serve on game day that has the potential to be as cherished as chicken wings and as fun to eat as a corn dog? These skewered, oven-fried catfish fingers are a delicious and easy-to-make option.
Spicy and oven fried, catfish fingers with my special mango chili dip is satisfying in three or four meaty bites. Here are the collection of ingredients (from left): cornbread mix, miso tamari sauce, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, and salt. I use soy milk to soak the catfish strips. You can use cow's milk or buttermilk too. Cooking wisdom says that soaking catfish in milk will help to expel the muddy taste (although I don't detect a muddy taste with farm-raised catfish). The soaking seems to work with soy milk as well, and that's what I have in the fridge at any given time.
It's the miso tamari sauce and paprika that give a rich color and smoky taste to the catfish fingers. After the milk soaking, I brush on the sauce and sprinkle both sides of the fish fingers with spices.
The cornbread mix I use to coat the the fish is a bit finer than cornmeal. From there, it's just a 15-minute baking in the oven on 350 degrees. Skewer the catfish fingers after baking and serve with Mango Salsa Dip (see recipe below). U.S. farm-raised catfish, which is the sustainable choice.
This recipe is one of many that the #SundaySupper group is featuring for Superbowl Sunday, so the recipe ideas don't stop here. After the recipe, click on the links below to see other appetizers, main dishes, and desserts that are perfect for this biggest of American game days.
Recipe: Oven-Fried Catfish Fingers (Serves Six)
Ingredients
6 boneless catfish fillets, rinsed and patted dry
1 quart milk (soy, cow's milk, or buttermilk)
1/2 cup miso tamari sauce (or plain tamari sauce)
1 tablespoon Kosher salt
1 tablespoon cracked pepper
3 tablespoons paprika
2 cups cornbread mix or cornmeal
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. With a sharp chef's knife, slice each fillet across its width and two inches apart. Place the fillets in a large bowl and pour in the quart of milk. Place fillets in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. (The catfish can be soaked all day in the refrigerator until you're ready to season and bake them.
Remove fillets from milk and pat dry lightly. Brush on tamari sauce and sprinkle both sides of fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika. Use your fingers to evenly distribute the spices among the fillets.
Pour cornbread mix or cornmeal a large cutting board used only for fish or meats. Coat fillets in cornbread mix or cornmeal and arrange on one or more baking sheets (or bake fillets in batches and refrigerate the remaining catfish fillets until ready to bake). Spray baking sheet(s) with non-stick cooking spray and bake fillets for 15 minutes. Check the fillets after 15 minutes and bake an extra 5 minutes for firmer fish. Remove fish from oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Gently skewer each catfish finger and serve with Mango-Chili Dip (see recipe, following).
Recipe: Mango-Chili Dip
Ingredients
1 jar of mango preserves or mango spread
1 red jalapeno pepper or red chili pepper
Pinch of salt
Directions
Slice pepper lengthwise and remove the white membrane inside. Remove all seeds for a mildly hot chili dip. Include a few seeds or more for a spicier dip. Place pepper in small food processor or chopper and run for two-three seconds until the pepper is finely chopped.
Remove mango preserves or spread from jar and into a serving bowl. Stir in the minced, hot pepper. Add a pinch of salt and stir. Serve alongside the Oven-Fried Catfish Fingers.
Join my fellow bloggers for more fantastic Superbowl game-day recipes. Here's the list:
#SundaySupper Super Bowl Appetizers & Snacks:
All American Ranch Cheese Ball from The Weekend Gourmet
Arancinis from My Cute Bride
Bacon Double Cheese Burger Dip from In the Kitchen with KP
Bacon Jalapeño Fritters w/ Chipotle Ketchup from La Cocina de Leslie
Bacon Kettle Corn from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Baked Crab Cakes from The Meltaways
Buffalo Chicken filled Pull-Apart Loaf from Small Wallet Big Appetite
Buffalo Chicken Pizza On A Stick from Neighborfood
Buffalo Tofu Bites from Soni’s Food
Buttermilk Fried Pickles from Mooshu Jenne
Cheddar Cheese and Onion Ciabatta from Family Foodie
Cheeseburger Bites from Momma’s Meals
Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Dip from Daily Dish Recipes
Chorizo and Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates in a Smokey Tomato Sauce from The Roxx Box
Cranberry Glazed Meatballs from Curious Cuisiniere
Easy White Queso with Chorizo from Supper for a Steal
Eggplant Lentil Fritters With Orange Salsa from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
#GlutenFree 7 Layer Bean Dip from Cooking Underwriter
Gulf Coast Smoked Tuna Dip from 30A Eats
Ham & Cheese Crescents from Masala Herb
Ham Crescents {Schinkenhoernle} #DairyFree from Galactopdx
Little Filo Cheese Rolls from Food Lust People Love
Mini Crab Bites from Webicurean
Muffuletta Skewers from Magnolia Days
Peach Jalapeno Fritters from I Run for Wine
Philly Cheesesteak Bites from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Pizza Pretzel Rolls from Cravings of a Lunatic
Pizza Wontons from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Refried Black Beans with Pita Chips from Basic N Delicious
Roasted Garlic-Bacon Dip from girlichef
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Stamp & Go! from The Lovely Pantry
Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates from Noshing with the Nolands
Tandoori Spiced Popcorn from MarocMama
Wonton Cones Filled with Oriental Salad from Simply Gourmet
#SundaySupper Super Bowl Main Dishes:
Bacon-Wrapped Chili Cheese Dogs from Damn Delicious
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Sandwiches from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders from The Foodie Army Wife
Chicken in Passion Fruit Crunch from The Urban Mrs.
Four Quarters “Grilled” Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Bleu Cheese Veggie Slaw fromMama.Mommy.Mom
Green Chile Cheeseburgers from Juanita’s Cocina
Grilled Pizza with Sausage and Spinach from Ruffles & Truffles
Ham and Cheese Sliders from Hip Foodie Mom
Marinated Rump Steak with Chimichurri Sliders from Vintage Kitchen Notes
Meatball Sub Sliders from Country Girl in the Village
Oven-Fried Catfish Fingers with Mango-Chili Dip from Pescetarian Journal
Pigs in Sleeping Bags from Comfy Cuisine
Turkey Sliders with Roasted Tomatoes from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Vegan “Hamburger Helper” Soup from What Smells So Good?
#SundaySupper Super Bowl Desserts:
Marshmallow Caramel Corn from Mom’s Test Kitchen
Shortbread Brownies from Baker Street
Smores Blossom Cookies from Chocolate Moosey
Sweet Little Pastries from Happy Baking Days
Sweet Potato Cake Pops from Ninja Baking
Toddler Truffles from In the Kitchen with Audrey
#SundaySupper Super Bowl Tablescape: 10 Tips For A Winning Superbowl Buffet Table from An Appealing Plan
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter on Sunday, February 3rd to talk all about our Super Bowl Recipes! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the#SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos!