here’s a classic Southern-style fried catfish recipe: crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned. This is the kind of catfish that makes people ask for seconds. 🐟🌽
Classic Fried Catfish
Serves
4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10–12 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough for 1–2 inches in a skillet)
Instructions
1. Soak the fish
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add catfish fillets and soak 15–20 minutes (helps flavor and helps coating stick).
2. Make the coating
In a shallow dish, combine:
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne (if using)
3. Heat the oil
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a small pinch of coating — it should sizzle immediately.
4. Coat the fish
- Remove fillets from buttermilk.
- Dredge in cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat.
5. Fry
- Fry fish in batches (don’t crowd).
- Cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
Tips for Perfect Catfish
- Keep oil temperature steady (too low = greasy, too high = burnt).
- Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Use fresh fillets if possible.
- For extra crunch, double-dredge (buttermilk → coating → buttermilk → coating again).
Serving Suggestions
- With tartar sauce
- Over hushpuppies
- With coleslaw
- Lemon wedges on the side
Optional Variations
- Spicy Cajun: add Cajun seasoning to the coating
- Oven-baked: bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes
- Air fryer: 400°F for 10–12 minutes
If you want a crispy oven version, cajun twist, or fish fry party style, tell me how you want it!