Here’s a recipe for Southern Fried Catfish, perfect for a crispy, flavorful meal. This classic dish is a staple of Southern cuisine, combining seasoned cornmeal breading with tender catfish fillets. It’s a quick, easy-to-make recipe that pairs wonderfully with sides like hush puppies, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Ingredients:
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Prep the Catfish: Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the fillets with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. In another dish, pour the buttermilk.
- Bread the Catfish: Dip each catfish fillet in the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, and then dredge it in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring the fillet is evenly coated.
- Fry the Fish: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the catfish fillets. Fry the fillets for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried catfish from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Enjoy the crispy and flavorful Southern fried catfish!
