Recipe: Catfish Nuggets (using bread crumbs and parmesan, baked)

CATFISH NUGGETS

Oil cooking spray to taste
6 catfish fillets (1 3/4 to 2 lb total)
3/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
6 tbsp dry, finely grated parmesan cheese*
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
Paprika (to taste)
Tartar sauce (for serving)

Line baking sheet with parchment. Spray parchment with oil.

Slice each fillet in half along the seam. Cut into nuggets about 1 1/2-inches long; set aside.

Add breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder and pepper to large plastic bag. Shake and massage bag to mix; set aside.

In shallow, medium bowl, whisk lemon juice with oil.

Working in batches, dip nuggets in juice mixture, then shake in
breadcrumb mixture until coated. Place on rack. Sprinkle with paprika. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. (You can bake these in two batches if necessary.)

Bake on bottom rack of preheated 400 degree F oven until coating is golden and fish flakes easily with fork, about 15 minutes.

Serve the nuggets with tartar sauce.

*The dry parmesan sold in supermarket deli sections works best in this recipe.

Makes 6 to 8 servings
Adapted from source: Recipe booklet: Cooking With Catfish by the U.S. Catfish Institute