Mains
Catfish and Grits Breakfast Bowl with Fried Egg
Crispy cornmeal-fried catfish pieces sit over creamy morning grits, crowned with a runny fried egg for a hearty Southern breakfast bowl.
Somewhere between a fish fry and a breakfast plate, this bowl brings crisp catfish bites to the morning table in the best way. A runny egg on top does double duty as sauce, tying the grits and fish together in one satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound catfish fillets, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup fine cornmeal
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup quick grits
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
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1
Soak the catfishToss the catfish strips in the buttermilk and let sit for 10 minutes while you prep the other components.
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2
Start the gritsBring the water to a boil in a saucepan, whisk in the grits, and cook 5 to 7 minutes over low heat, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
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3
Finish the gritsStir the cheddar and butter into the cooked grits, season with salt and pepper, and keep warm over low heat.
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4
Dredge the fishCombine the cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then coat each catfish strip thoroughly.
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5
Fry the catfishHeat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F and fry the strips 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp, then drain on a wire rack.
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6
Fry the eggsIn a separate nonstick skillet, fry the eggs sunny-side up until the whites are set but yolks remain runny.
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7
Assemble the bowlsSpoon warm grits into bowls, top with a portion of fried catfish, add a fried egg, and finish with sliced green onions.
Okra & Oak Tip
Cut the catfish into similarly sized strips so they all finish frying at the same time and cook evenly.
Storage
Store grits and catfish separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days; reheat the fish in a hot oven to keep it crisp rather than microwaving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, tilapia strips work well as a substitute and fry up in about the same amount of time.
Crack the egg into a small cup first, then slide it gently into the hot skillet to keep the yolk intact.
Nutrition
Per serving. Values are estimates.
500
Calories
30g
Protein
32g
Carbs
27g
Fat
