The catfish industry in the United States has seen consistent growth since the 1960s.
In fact, the U.S. now produces more than half of all catfish caught and sold worldwide.
But what’s even more impressive about this fish is that it’s not actually a cat.
Instead, it belongs to a group known as “perch” or “bream” — which are members of the same family as carp, pike, and eel.
And while many people think of catfish when they hear the word “fish,” these other fishes are not only found in freshwater but also in saltwater.
What is frozen catfish?
This type of fish is actually a processed variety of fresh catfish, which means it comes from a living animal that was raised for consumption.
The process starts with a live catfish being harvested and then transported to a processing plant where it’s cleaned, scaled, gutted, and filleted.
This whole process takes between 10 and 14 days.
Afterward, the fish is flash-frozen so that it doesn’t spoil during shipping and storage.
Once it arrives at your local grocery store, you’ll find it on the shelves next to fresh fish like salmon and tuna.
It will be labeled as “fresh frozen” and will have a shelf life of up to 12 months.
What are its benefits?
While some people might be turned off by the thought of eating something that’s been frozen, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider buying frozen catfish instead of fresh.
First of all, because it’s already been prepped and cut into smaller pieces, it’s much easier to cook and eat.
Plus, it’s less likely to get contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses, making it safer to consume.
Finally, frozen fish is cheaper than fresh fish, especially if you buy it in bulk.
What are its drawbacks?
There are still some downsides to purchasing frozen catfish.
For one thing, it’s often sold in larger packages, which makes it harder to portion out exactly how much you want to eat.
Also, since it’s been frozen, it’s usually thicker than fresh fish, which means it may take longer to cook.
You’ll need to add extra time to ensure that your meal turns out just right.
Finally, it’s possible that frozen fish could contain preservatives, additives, and other chemicals that aren’t present in fresh fish.
So while it’s certainly better for you than eating nothing at all, it’s important to read the label and avoid any products that contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
How is it prepared?
Because frozen fish is already cut up and ready to go, it’s easy to prepare.
All you have to do is defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
If you don’t have enough time, you can microwave it for two minutes per pound (454g).
What is its nutritional value?
Since frozen fish is made from the same species as fresh fish, it contains the same amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
However, because it’s been frozen, it tends to weigh more, which means the serving size will be bigger.
To calculate the exact number of calories, multiply the weight of the fish by 4.186.
What are its side effects?
Like most types of fish, frozen catfish can cause food poisoning if it hasn’t been cooked properly.
But unlike fresh fish, it won’t necessarily kill you.
Still, it’s always best to stick to recipes that specifically call for frozen fish rather than using canned varieties.
What is its cost?
If you decide to purchase frozen catfish, you’ll pay $4.99-$5.49 per pound ($1.59-$1.79 per ounce).
If you order it online, you’ll pay an average of $6.19 per pound ($1.89 per ounce).
How long does it last?
Most frozen fish is good for 12 months after it’s been packaged.
After that, it starts losing its texture and flavor.
How does it taste?
When you first open the package, you’re probably going to smell a little fishy.
That’s because frozen fish contains ammonia, which gives it a distinctive odor.
But once you start cooking it, the ammonia disappears, leaving behind a rich, savory flavor that you can enjoy.
Can make dishes from Catfish such as: fried fish, steamed fish, grilled fish,…
Is it safe to eat?
Yes! Frozen fish is perfectly safe to eat.
Just remember that it needs to be defrosted before you can use it.
And if you’re concerned about contaminants, you can buy organic frozen catfish.
Why do we sometimes say ‘catfish’ when we really mean ‘carp’?
In the early 1900s, the term “catfish” was used to describe any kind of fish that resembled a cat.
Since then, however, it’s become associated with the specific type of fish that resembles a cat.
This type of fish is known as “perch” or “bream” in other parts of the world.
Air Fryer Fish Sticks with Lemon Mayo Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- Fish
- 1 pound fish fillets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking oil
- Lemon
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- On a cutting board, cut each fish fillet into 3 inches long and 1 inch wide pieces.
- Put fish dry using paper towels.
- In a medium-sized bowl combine flour with salt and pepper.
- In another bowl beat the eggs.
- Add breadcrumbs to a third bowl and season with dried dill.
- Dip each piece of fish into the flour first, then eggs and then evenly coat with breadcrumbs. Shake off any excess.
- Place fish sticks into the air fryer set to 400° F (200° C) for 10 minutes and spray them with cooking oil. Flip after 5 minutes and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until golden.
- To prepare the sauce, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice and olive oil in a medium-sized bowl. Season with salt and parsley and mix well.
- Take the fish sticks out of the air fryer and serve with lemon mayo sauce. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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