Crispy Catfish Beef Spaghetti
This surf-and-turf dish combines crispy pan-fried catfish with hearty beef-loaded spaghetti, delivering rich, comforting flavors perfect for an satisfying dinner.
Equipment
- 1 pot for boiling spaghetti
- 2 skillet one for beef sauce, one for frying catfish
- 1 large bowl for dredging catfish
- 1 paper towels for draining fried catfish
Ingredients
- 10 to 14 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can 14 oz tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal optional
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 to 3 tbsp oil for frying vegetable, canola, or olive
- Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up large pieces.
- Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently.
- Pat catfish fillets dry. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornmeal (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each catfish fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry catfish fillets until golden and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Transfer fried catfish to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Plate cooked spaghetti and top with beef sauce. Serve crispy catfish alongside or on top, garnished with parsley or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Toss cooked spaghetti with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Adjust spice level with extra herbs or Worcestershire sauce.
- Tilapia or cod are good substitutes for catfish.
- Serve with garlic bread and green salad for a full meal.