Description
Crispy Fried Catfish is a delicious Southern dish featuring tender catfish fillets coated in a seasoned cornmeal mixture and fried until golden brown. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s best served with lemon wedges and your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 catfish fillets (about 1 pound total)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow dish, pour the buttermilk and add the catfish fillets. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Prepare a clean workspace with the bowl of seasoned flour mixture and a plate for the coated fillets.
- Remove each fillet from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently for an even coating. Shake off excess and place on a plate. Repeat for all fillets.
- Allow the coated fillets to rest for 10-15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the fillets in the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Use a slotted spatula to remove the catfish and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Arrange the fried catfish on a serving platter and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve with hot sauce if desired.
- Serve with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or fried green tomatoes.
- Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, tender catfish!
Notes
- Choose fresh catfish fillets for the best flavor.
- Adjust spices in the coating to suit your taste.
- Maintain the right oil temperature for crispy results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes