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Fried Catfish and Spaghetti Dinner Plates

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A hearty Southern-style meal pairing crispy, golden fried catfish with comforting spaghetti in a savory tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 dinner plates
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying, Boiling
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 680 g catfish fillets, cut into serving-size pieces
  • 240 ml buttermilk
  • 120 g cornmeal
  • 60 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 750 ml vegetable oil, for frying
  • 340 g dry spaghetti
  • 30 ml olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 150 g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 9 g)
  • 480 ml tomato sauce
  • 240 ml crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp sugar
  • 30 g grated halal-certified hard cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the catfish fillets in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all pieces are coated, cover, and let marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. In a separate shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 175°C.
  4. Remove catfish from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture.
  5. Fry the catfish in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and keep warm.
  6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
  8. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  9. Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and sugar. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until evenly coated.
  11. Serve each plate with a portion of spaghetti and one or two pieces of fried catfish. Garnish with grated cheese if desired.

Notes

  • You can use frozen catfish, just thaw and pat dry before marinating.
  • For a healthier twist, bake the catfish at 200°C for 18–20 minutes.
  • Spaghetti sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Use plain milk + lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk.
  • Add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutrition.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/fried-catfish-and-spaghetti-dinner-plates/