Southern-Style Fried Catfish: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight

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Indulge in the rich tradition of Southern cuisine with this classic fried catfish recipe. Featuring tender catfish fillets marinated in buttermilk and coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust, this dish offers a perfect balance of crunch and flavor.​Bon Appétit

Ingredients:

  • Catfish Fillets: 4 to 6 fillets (approximately 1 to 2 pounds)
  • Buttermilk: 1 cup
  • Fine Cornmeal: ¾ cup
  • All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup
  • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon
  • Salt: To taste
  • Oil for Frying: Peanut oil is preferred​Simply RecipesSimply Recipes+2WildGame Gourmet+2Reddit+2Food & Wine

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Catfish: Place the catfish fillets in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure each fillet is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.​
  2. Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform breading mixture.​
  3. Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, pour enough oil to submerge the fillets. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of the breading mixture into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.​
  4. Bread the Fillets: Remove the catfish from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each fillet in the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess breading.​
  5. Fry the Catfish: Carefully place the breaded fillets into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each fillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fillets and drain on paper towels.​
  6. Serve: Serve the fried catfish hot, accompanied by lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.​

Serving Suggestions:

Pair your fried catfish with traditional Southern sides such as coleslaw, hush puppies, or cornbread. A side of pickled vegetables or a fresh green salad can also complement the rich flavors of the catfish.​Bon Appétit

Enjoy this Southern-style fried catfish as a comforting main dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for crispy, flavorful seafood.

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