Channel catfish has become increasingly popular as a healthy and sustainable alternative to classics such as salmon or tuna. But can you eat channel catfish raw and how does it taste in comparison?
What is channel catfish?
Channel catfish is a freshwater fish that can be found mainly in the Southeastern United States. It can range in size from less than 5 inches to over 30 inches and is considered an invasive species. The channel catfish has a mild flavor that many consider similar to trout or salmon.
Is channel catfish edible?
Channel catfish is edible to most people. It has a mild flavor that many people like and it’s often fried or breaded. If you want to try cooking channel catfish at home, here are some tips: choose a high-quality fish fillet with skin on, season with salt and pepper before frying, add flour if needed to absorb the moisture from the pan and dredge first before frying, use cooking oil that’s been heated up before cooking and make sure you cook it thoroughly so it doesn’t taste “raw” or “oily” at the end of cooking.
How does channel catfish taste?
Channel catfish is mild in flavor and is often cooked with a breading. The fish has a similar taste to that of trout or salmon. However, it can be served fried and battered, as opposed to roasted or grilled.
How to prepare it
Channel catfish is usually fried, but it can also be grilled. If you choose to fry it, make sure the oil is hot enough before cooking the fish.
The most common preparation for channel catfish is frying and breading it. To do this, first season the fish with salt and pepper before dredging in flour. Then, place the fillets in a seasoned flour mixture and fry them until they’re golden brown on both sides.
Another popular way to prepare channel catfish is to marinate it overnight with your favorite herbs and spices. Then, use a nonstick pan or grill to cook it slowly over medium heat while turning occasionally until all of the liquid has evaporated from the fish; this will help prevent your skin from sticking to the pan.
My favorite channel catfish recipe
Channel catfish can be prepared in a variety of different ways. Some people like to fry the fillets, while others prefer to bake them with breading. My favorite way to prepare channel catfish is with a flour dredge and pan-searing.
Place the fish fillet skin side down on a plate, season with salt and pepper, then dredge it in flour. Heat your cooking oil before placing the fish in the pan. Cook for about five minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. This recipe is also great because you can use any herbs or spices that you want for your seasoning.
Can you eat channel catfish raw?
Channel catfish can be eaten raw, but it is not recommended. Cooking the fish will kill bacteria such as e.coli and salmonella. This is an important safety precaution because the fish can carry these harmful pathogens.
For example, if a person already suffers from a urinary tract infection, eating raw channel catfish could lead to a kidney infection or septic shock. The same goes for people with weak immune systems or those who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Conclusion
Channel catfish is a low-cost fish that is ranked as one of the most sustainable fish and is also very healthy. As a result, it is now becoming a popular fish for the U.S. market. Channel catfish tastes somewhat like other fish such as salmon and tuna, but at the same time rather has a unique flavor that is great to incorporate into your dishes.
Make sure to check out our articles on alternative fish to consider eating, e.g.: dogfish, flounder, pike, perch, sculpin or sheepshead.
