Fried catfish
Catfish has long been a Southern staple, and one of the most popular ways to enjoy it is Southern Fried. The crispy, savory breading contrasts with the sweet, flaky flesh of the catfish, creating a dish that is both filling and satisfying. There are many variations of Southern Fried Catfish, but this recipe is a tried-and-true classic that will have everyone at the table coming back for more.
To start, you’ll need some fresh catfish filets. You can usually find them at your local grocery store or fish market. Make sure to choose filets that are firm and not too thin, as they will hold up better during frying. You’ll also need some basic ingredients for the breading, such as cornmeal, flour, and spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
To prepare the catfish, begin by slicing it into manageable pieces. You can either cut it into strips or leave it in larger filets, depending on your preference. Rinse the catfish in cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help the breading adhere better when frying.
In a large bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, and spices. You can adjust the amounts of spices based on your taste preferences. Dip the catfish pieces into the breading mixture, pressing the coating onto the fish to ensure it sticks.
Heat a large skillet or frying pan with about an inch of oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use any type of oil you prefer, but vegetable oil or peanut oil are the most common choices for frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the catfish pieces to the pan. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy breading. Fry the catfish for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the breading is golden brown and crispy.
Remove the catfish from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, remoulade, or hot sauce.
Southern Fried Catfish is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a backyard barbecue. With its crispy, flavorful breading and tender, juicy catfish, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients:
-4-6 Catfish Fillets -1 cup all-purpose flour -1 tsp garlic powder -1 tsp onion powder -1 tsp paprika -1 tsp salt -1 tsp black pepper -1/2 tsp cayenne pepper -1/2 cup buttermilk -1/2 cup cornmeal -Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Preheat your deep fryer, or pour enough oil into a frying pan to come up about 1/2 inch, and heat over medium high heat.
- In a shallow bowl mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- In another shallow bowl mix together buttermilk and cornmeal.
- Dip each fillet into the flour mixture, making sure it is coated well. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip each fillet in the buttermilk mixture, making sure it is coated well. Shake off any excess buttermilk.
- Place the fillets into the hot oil and fry for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked fillets to a paper towel to drain off any excess oil.
- Serve with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, hushpuppies, and fries. Enjoy!