Here’s a classic Fish Camp–style fried catfish—the kind you’d get at a Southern fish camp: crispy outside, tender inside, and simple seasoning 🐟🔥
Fish Camp–Style Fried Catfish
Ingredients
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2 lb catfish fillets
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
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1 cup yellow cornmeal
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Oil for frying (peanut or vegetable)
Instructions
1️⃣ Soak the fish
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Rinse fillets and pat dry.
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Soak in buttermilk + hot sauce for 30–60 minutes.
(This removes any muddy taste and tenderizes the fish.)
2️⃣ Make the coating
Mix cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
3️⃣ Heat the oil
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Heat oil to 350–365°F (175–185°C)
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Oil should be deep enough to float the fish
4️⃣ Coat and fry
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Dredge fillets in cornmeal mixture.
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Fry in batches 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5️⃣ Drain & serve
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Remove to a wire rack or paper towels.
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Sprinkle lightly with salt while hot.
Fish Camp Tips (the secrets)
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Use yellow cornmeal, not white
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Don’t overcrowd the fryer
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Keep seasoning simple
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Serve immediately
Classic Sides
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Hushpuppies
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Coleslaw
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Fries
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White bread & hot sauce
If you want, I can also give you:
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A crunchier cornmeal-only version
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A pan-fried option
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Hushpuppy recipe to go with it
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How fish camps keep it crispy for crowds
