Here’s a classic and crispy Southern Fried Catfish recipe — golden cornmeal-coated fillets, seasoned to perfection and deep-fried until crunchy outside and tender inside. Serve it with hush puppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce for a true Southern feast!
🐟 Southern Fried Catfish
🧾 Ingredients:
🐟 For the Fish:
-
4–6 catfish fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
-
1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
-
Hot sauce (optional, a few dashes for flavor)
-
Salt & black pepper, to season
🧂 For the Coating:
-
1 cup yellow cornmeal
-
½ cup all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
-
1 tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
For Frying:
-
Vegetable oil, canola, or peanut oil (for deep frying)
👨🍳 Instructions:
🔹 1. Soak the Catfish
-
Rinse fillets and pat dry.
-
Place in a bowl or zip-top bag with buttermilk and a few dashes of hot sauce (if using).
-
Let soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge. This helps tenderize and mellow any fishy flavor.
🔹 2. Prepare the Cornmeal Coating
-
In a shallow dish, mix together cornmeal, flour, and all the seasonings.
🔹 3. Dredge the Fillets
-
Remove fish from the buttermilk (let excess drip off).
-
Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to coat both sides evenly.
-
Let them rest on a wire rack for a few minutes to help the coating stick.
🔹 4. Fry the Fish
-
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large cast iron skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
-
Fry catfish in batches (don’t overcrowd), cooking 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
-
Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Sprinkle with a little extra salt while hot.
🍽️ Serve With:
-
Tartar sauce or hot sauce
-
Lemon wedges
-
Hush puppies, coleslaw, fried okra, or French fries
-
A slice of white bread if you’re keeping it truly Southern
📝 Tips:
-
No buttermilk? Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup milk and let sit 5 minutes.
-
Don’t skip the cornmeal — it gives that authentic Southern crunch!
-
Want it spicier? Add more cayenne or serve with spicy remoulade.
Would you like a baked or air-fried version for a lighter take? Or a cornmeal-free option for allergies? Let me know!
