Here’s a simple, delicious Fried Catfish recipe 🐟🍽️
Crispy Fried Catfish
Ingredients:
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Instructions:
- Prepare the fish
Rinse the catfish fillets and pat dry with paper towels.
Season lightly with salt and pepper. - Soak in buttermilk
Place fillets in a bowl with buttermilk and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
This tenderizes the fish and helps the coating stick. - Make the coating
In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. - Coat the fish
Remove fillets from buttermilk, shake off excess, and dredge in the cornmeal mixture.
Press lightly so the coating sticks well. - Fry the fish
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat (enough to cover the bottom).
Fry fillets 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). - Drain and serve
Place on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Optional Sides:
- Coleslaw 🥗
- French fries 🍟
- Hush puppies
If you want, I can also share a baked healthier version or a Southern-style seasoned fried catfish recipe for extra flavor.
Do you want me to?
