Fried Catfish
Fried catfish is a Southern classic that delivers a delightful crunch and tender flavor in every bite. This dish captures the spirit of summer cookouts with its golden crust and savory spices, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Whether served with a tangy dipping sauce or alongside classic sides, fried catfish is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound catfish fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk (can substitute regular milk)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Rinse catfish fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Soak fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture until well coated.
- Fry fillets in hot oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (113g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg