Wave goodbye to those deep-fried, greasy fish nuggets and say hello to a healthier, zestier alternative that’s sure to spice up your dinner table! I’m talking about oven-baked gluten-free catfish nuggets, served up with a homemade Chinese-style spicy garlic sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Beijing.
These nuggets aren’t just a treat for your palate; they’re an adventure! Instead of the usual American-style deep-fried fish dipped in a cloyingly sweet sauce, these nuggets boast a bold, sophisticated flavor profile that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about fish nuggets.
What Makes These Catfish Nuggets Special?
Forget about the standard egg and breadcrumb combo! In our kitchen, we treat our homemade gluten-free bread like gold—too precious to crumble up. So, I opted for all-purpose gluten-free flour to coat these little gems, and guess what? The results were spectacular.
Catfish nuggets, for those who might not know, are small pieces cut from the whole fish. They’re not the ground-up stuff, but rather the trimmings from larger fillets, often available at a bargain price. You can either snag some pre-cut nuggets from the store or buy a whole fillet and chop it into bite-sized morsels yourself. Just rinse them under cold water, pat dry, and you’re ready for the next step.
The Gluten-Free Coating Dance
If you’re keeping it dairy-free and egg-free, dip those clean nuggets into some non-dairy milk. Next, give them a good tumble in a spicy mix of gluten-free flour, your favorite spices, salt, and a dash of coconut oil. Go ahead and double-dip if you’re feeling wild; it just adds to the crunch!
Chef’s Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure each nugget is thoroughly coated with the flour mixture.
- Pair this dish with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a healthy meal.
- To add more heat, consider mixing crushed red pepper into the flour mixture.
- Healthy Eating: Perfect for those looking for a gluten-free and dairy-free option with bold flavors.
- Weekday Meals: Quick and easy to make for a delicious dinner during the week.
Additional Notes
- This Oven-Baked Spicy Catfish Nuggets recipe offers a healthier twist to traditional fried fish nuggets with a homemade Chinese sauce.
- The dish includes catfish nuggets coated in a gluten-free flour mixture and baked to crispy perfection, served with a flavorful Chinese sauce.
- You can enhance this dish by serving it with steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the flavors and textures.
- Leftovers of this dish can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Oven-Baked Spicy Catfish Nuggets
Dive into the bold flavors of our Oven-Baked Spicy Catfish Nuggets, paired with a homemade Chinese sauce! This dish transforms your seafood experience with a healthier, gluten-free alternative to the traditional fried fish nuggets. Perfect for those who love a kick of spice without the grease, this recipe promises a delightful crunch and a burst of exotic flavors.
4
servings20
minutes20
minutes350
kcal2
minutes42
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Catfish Preparation
1 pound catfish fillets, cut into 3-inch pieces
1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour
1 tablespoon softened coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- Chinese Sauce
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon homemade chili oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Alternative Ingredients
Coconut oil can be replaced with canola oil.
Almond milk can be substituted with any other non-dairy milk or regular milk if not avoiding dairy.
For a less spicy version reduce the amount of chili oil or use a mild chili sauce.
Directions
- Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine gluten-free flour, coconut oil, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
- Dip each catfish piece into almond milk followed by the flour mixture to coat thoroughly. Repeat this step two to three times for each piece.
- Arrange the coated nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- While the nuggets are baking, mix together minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, water, chili oil, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to create the sauce.
- Once baked, allow the nuggets to cool on a wire rack for about 2 minutes.
- Serve the crispy nuggets hot with the freshly prepared Chinese sauce.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- mixing bowls
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 250IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 80mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
