Fried Catfish Nuggets

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 servings

Description

Fried catfish nuggets are chunks of golden brown, crispy catfish seasoned with spicy brown mustard and thyme, a perfect snack or party appetizer.

Ingredients

2 pounds catfish fillets, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
1 cup spicy brown mustard
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

1 Place catfish pieces into a mixing bowl and sprinkle with thyme leaves; toss to coat. Mix in mustard with your hands. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.
2 Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3 Whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, and baking soda in a large bowl. Dip catfish pieces, one at a time, into flour mixture and shake off excess.
4 Working in batches, fry catfish nuggets in hot oil until no longer translucent in the center and outside is golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Let oil come back up to temperature between batches.