Why You’ll Love Fried Catfish & Collard Green Taco
If you love bold Southern flavors with a fun, unexpected twist, these Fried Catfish & Collard Green Tacos are calling your name. Crispy, seasoned catfish meets tender, garlicky collard greens, all wrapped in a warm tortilla for a soul-satisfying bite. Perfect for taco night with a little extra Southern charm!
Pure Comfort in Fried Catfish & Collard Green Taco
Crunchy, golden-fried catfish paired with savory, slow-cooked collard greens delivers the best of both worlds: comfort food with a fresh and exciting presentation.
Ingredients for Fried Catfish & Collard Green Taco
What You Need for Fried Catfish & Collard Green Taco
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Ingredients
- Catfish fillets
- Buttermilk
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Oil for frying
- Collard greens, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, diced
- Apple cider vinegar
- Red pepper flakes
- Olive oil
- Small tortillas
Steps to Make Fried Catfish & Collard Green Taco
1. Marinate the Catfish
Soak the catfish fillets in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Collard Greens
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add collard greens, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and cook until tender. Set aside.
3. Coat the Catfish
In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Remove catfish from buttermilk, coat evenly in the dry mixture, and set aside.
4. Fry the Catfish
Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry catfish for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas, add a generous portion of collard greens, top with crispy fried catfish, and drizzle with hot sauce if desired.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Make Fried Catfish & Collard Green Taco Perfect
- Ensure your oil is at the right temperature to achieve the crispiest crust on your catfish.
- Slice the catfish into smaller pieces for easier taco assembly.
Mix Up Your Fried Catfish & Collard Green Taco
- Swap catfish for shrimp or crispy tofu for a different take.
- Try pickled onions or coleslaw for an extra crunch.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a side of creamy mac and cheese or cornbread for a full Southern-inspired meal.
Busy Day Hero
- Prep the collard greens ahead of time and store them in the fridge for quick taco assembly.
Work Ahead
- Catfish can be seasoned and refrigerated before frying to save time.
Save Some For Later
- Store leftover catfish in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Everyone’s Happy
- Adjust spice levels to cater to different preferences.
Good For You Too
- Collard greens are packed with vitamins and fiber, making these tacos as nutritious as they are delicious.
Easy Clean Up
- Use parchment paper under the catfish when breading to minimize mess.
Switch It Up
- Try corn tortillas for a more traditional taco feel, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Simply Perfect Fried Catfish & Collard Green Taco
- These Fried Catfish & Collard Green Tacos balance crispiness, spice, and comfort in every bite. A true Southern delight with a taco twist!
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FAQs
1. Can I use another fish?
Yes! Try tilapia or cod for a similar crispy texture.
2. What if I don’t like collard greens?
Swap them for kale or cabbage for a different green option.
3. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or air-fry for a crispier result.
4. What’s the best way to reheat fried catfish?
Use an oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
5. Are these tacos spicy?
They have a kick, but you can adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes to taste.
6. What’s the best tortilla for these tacos?
Flour or corn tortillas work well, depending on preference.
7. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and corn tortillas.
Why This Fried Catfish & Collard Green Tacos is a Must-Try
Fried Catfish & Collard Green Tacos bring the best of Southern flavors into one delicious, handheld bite. Whether for a casual weeknight meal or a special gathering, these tacos are sure to impress with their crispy texture, savory greens, and perfect balance of spice. Give them a try and savor the flavors of the South in a whole new way!
Print
Fried Catfish & Collard Green Taco
Crispy, golden-fried catfish meets tender, garlicky collard greens in a warm tortilla for a Southern-inspired taco with bold flavors. Perfect for an easy and delicious meal!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Oil for frying
- 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 small tortillas
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Soak the catfish fillets in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Collard Greens
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add collard greens, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and cook until tender. Set aside.
3. Coat the Catfish
In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Remove catfish from buttermilk, coat evenly in the dry mixture, and set aside.
4. Fry the Catfish
Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry catfish for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas, add a generous portion of collard greens, top with crispy fried catfish, and drizzle with hot sauce if desired.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure your oil is at the right temperature to achieve the crispiest crust on your catfish.
- Slice the catfish into smaller pieces for easier taco assembly.
- Swap catfish for shrimp or crispy tofu for a different take.
- Try pickled onions or coleslaw for an extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg