Grilled Catfish Recipes For Authentic Southern Eating
Catfish is a southern classic, often served blackened or Cajun-style. This fish is quite dense and reasonably mild, qualities that respond well to charcoal grilling.
The natural sweetness of catfish means you can get away with simple seasoning. A simple seasoning of cracked black pepper and Worcestershire sauce is all you need to elevate your grilled catfish. This can provide a refreshing change from the usual steak or burgers.
Catfish is also easy to serve. Stir-fry some spinach, cream some corn, and grill some peppers for a wonderfully sweet accompaniment to your catfish.
Today, we’ll walk you through the following two grilled catfish recipes:
- Grilling catfish fillets
- Grilling whole catfish
Tips for Grilled Catfish Recipes
For many beginners to grilling, the fear of fish falling apart and tumbling between the grill grates is enough to put them off.
While some may worry about fish sticking to the grill, there’s no need to let this deter you from enjoying delicious grilled catfish.
Unlike some softer fish, catfish is firm enough to stay intact when you’re grilling it. If you prefer the added security, use a grilling basket or some aluminum foil. If you do this, you’ll be steaming the fish, and you won’t get the same texture generated by grilling on the grates.
As long as your grill is clean and you coat the grill grates with a thin layer of oil, as well as keeping it scorching hot, you shouldn’t find catfish sticking.
How to Grill Catfish Fillets
Fresh catfish fillets are pretty easy to source. Look for fillets weighing from 4oz to 6oz. Ensure the fillets are firm to the touch and pale in color.
Steer clear of catfish fillets with discolorations or dark spots. Also, avoid any fish fillets that smell overly fishy.
Here’s how to grill your fillets the easy way:
- Melt a tablespoon of butter and brush this over the catfish fillets with a pastry brush. Coat the fillets on all sides. If you dislike the heaviness of butter, use olive instead. The coating will help prevent the fish sticking to the grates
- Sprinkle some salt and pepper on all sides of the fillets. For an extra kick, consider adding paprika or cayenne powder. Garlic also works well with catfish, and so does liquid smoke
- Heat your outdoor grill or your grill pan to medium high (375F to 425F)
- Coat the grill rack with oil
- Once the grill is scorching hot, arrange your fillets in an even layer with no overlapping
- Cook the catfish for 3 to 4 minutes. When the flesh is no longer translucent, the fillets are ready to flip over
- Cook the fillets for 3 to 4 minutes on the other side. When the flesh is white and flaky, your catfish is ready to serve
- Transfer to a plate with a wide spatula.
How to Grill a Whole Catfish
Finding a fresh, whole catfish might be more challenging than locating some fillets. If you head to a fish market, look for catfish with undamaged skin and clear eyes if you’re planning to grill them whole.
When grilling whole catfish, you won’t get the same results if you use frozen fish.
Here’s how to grill the whole fish for lip-smacking results:
First, make the seasoning. Not only will this help impart some extra valuable flavor, but it will also ensure the meat stays moist while you’re grilling it. To do this, mix up the following ingredients:
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon)
- Lemon juice (tablespoon)
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
Season both the inside and outside the fish. Coat all parts of the fish to prevent drying out during grilling.
Instructions:
- Heat your grill or your grill pan to medium high (375F to 425F). Using a paper towel dripping with cooking oil, coat the grill grates to minimize sticking. Allow the grill to fully heat properly before you start grilling your catfish
- When cooking a whole catfish, you need to cook it slow and low. If you don’t do this, you’ll scorch outside the fish while failing to cook it thoroughly on the inside. Never allow the grill to get too hot or you’ll burn your catfish
- Rather than placing your fish over the hottest part of the goals, instead use an area of the grill with indirect heat
- Cook the fish for 7 to 10 minutes. The bigger the catfish, the longer it will take to cook. When the flesh underneath is firm and marked from the grill, you can flip it over
- Cook the second side of the catfish for another 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the fish. When the flesh look opaque and falls apart easily, it’s time to serve yout catfish
Conclusion
We hope this guide encourages you to explore something new in the delicious world of grilled catfish!
By starting with clean grill grates and coating them with oil, you can prevent sticking. Keep this in mind to ensure a delicious grilled catfish for your next barbecue.
Before you head off today, take a moment to bookmark our blog. Here at Hempen Hill BBQ, we cater to all experience levels. We’re here to help you every step of the way on your grilling journey. We update our content daily, so be sure to pop back soon and don’t miss out!