Famous Dave’s is a popular restaurant chain known for its mouthwatering barbecue dishes. One of their most famous recipes is the Sweetwater Catfish Fingers, which combines the crispy goodness of fried catfish with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. If you’re a fan of seafood and looking for an easy and delicious recipe to try at home, then this is the perfect dish for you.
To make Famous Dave’s Sweetwater Catfish Fingers, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound catfish fillets, cut into fingers
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the dipping sauce, you will need:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
To prepare the dish, start by soaking the catfish fingers in buttermilk for about 30 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, and Cajun seasoning. Dredge the catfish fingers in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Fry the catfish fingers in small batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
For the dipping sauce, simply mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. Serve the Sweetwater Catfish Fingers hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Now, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about Famous Dave’s Sweetwater Catfish Fingers:
1. Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other white fish such as tilapia or cod.
2. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor to the dish, but you can substitute it with regular milk if needed.
3. Can I bake the catfish fingers instead of frying them?
While frying gives the fish a crispy texture, you can also bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
4. How long does the dipping sauce last in the refrigerator?
The dipping sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
5. Can I omit the hot sauce in the dipping sauce?
Yes, you can omit the hot sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.
6. What can I serve with Sweetwater Catfish Fingers?
They go well with coleslaw, fries, or a side of cornbread.
7. Can I freeze the catfish fingers?
Yes, you can freeze them after frying. Just make sure to cool them completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
8. How do I reheat the frozen catfish fingers?
You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
9. Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dipping sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
10. Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, you can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
11. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and cornmeal to make this recipe gluten-free.