HUSHPUPPY-BATTERED CATFISH NUGGETS WITH SPICY TARTAR SAUCE

Hushpuppy-Battered Catfish Nuggets with Spicy Tartar Sauce image

Provided by Food Network

Time 43m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

One 8-ounce package hushpuppy mix
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon sliced pickled jalapeno peppers, minced
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 1/4 pounds catfish fillets (about 4 fillets)
1 cup all-purpose flour
Spicy Tartar Sauce, recipe follows
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sliced pickled jalapeno peppers, finely minced
1 tablespoon finely minced onion
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 pinch salt

Steps:

In a medium bowl, stir together hushpuppy mix, milk, water, egg, jalapenos, hot pepper sauce and cayenne; let stand 5 minutes.
Pour oil to a depth of 1/2 inch in a large deep skillet; heat oil to 350 degrees F.
Pat catfish fillets dry with paper towels, and cut into bite-size pieces. Dredge catfish pieces in flour, and then dip in hushpuppy batter mixture. Drop catfish pieces into hot oil, and fry, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden. Serve with Spicy Tartar Sauce.
Stir together all ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve.