Q&A for How to Skin and Clean Catfish

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  • Question
    Can I cook a catfish with the skin on?
    Community Answer
    Leaving the skin on for cooking can actually add to the flavor and keep the fillets nice and juicy. Some people enjoy eating the skin, others don't. Whatever your preference.
  • Question
    Can I cook and eat a catfish just after catching it?
    Alexis Chamberlain
    Community Answer
    Yes, but make sure you clean it properly first. Wild-caught fish should be eaten as fresh as possible.
  • Question
    Do you cook with the ribs on the fish?
    Alexis Chamberlain
    Community Answer
    Yes. However, if you or others are not used to eating fish with bones (many people are not, and this would pose a problem if you are cooking for other people), then remove the bones.
  • Question
    Why do you skin catfish - is the skin harmful?
    Community Answer
    No the skin is not harmful, it just is not eaten most of the time for most fish you usually only want the meat inside because the skin is not that enjoyable for most people.
  • Question
    Why is it important not to puncture the organs?
    Community Answer
    The insides of the organs contain nasty stuff that will taint the meat, or in general make an all out mess that you can just avoid by not puncturing the organs.
  • Question
    How do I cook fish eggs?
    Alexis Chamberlain
    Community Answer
    It depends on the species and there are various methods. Some fish eggs are eaten raw, such as salmon eggs, and some eggs in pouches are fried and sliced and served in many dishes. I would do some research before eating the eggs as some are not edible.
  • Question
    Can I freeze the catfish after cleaning?
    Alexis Chamberlain
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it is always a better idea to cook it while it is fresh as the flavor is different.
  • Question
    Can you skin catfish after it has been frozen?
    Community Answer
    Yes. When we catch catfish, we put them in ice immediately, then wait until they freeze and die. After 3-4 hours, they usually die and are ready for skinning/cutting.
  • Question
    How long can I keep the catfish on ice before cleaning?
    Community Answer
    I've kept trout on ice for three days before, then the fillets in the fridge for a full week, and it still smelled fresh at that point.
  • Question
    Do I gut the fish after I skin it?
    Alexis Chamberlain
    Community Answer
    You can gut it before or after. You can even remove the skin after it has been flayed.
  • Question
    What is the best way to store catfish after cleaning?
    Alexis Chamberlain
    Community Answer
    Put it in a ziplock bag and store in a fridge or freezer, but catfish tastes better fresh.
  • Question
    Can I freeze the catfish whole and then clean later?
    Community Answer
    Yes, freezing the fish after you catch it won't hurt at all, it keeps it fresh.
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