Southern Fried Catfish Recipe

 

 

Southern Fried Catfish is a classic comfort food deeply rooted in Southern American cuisine. Known for its crispy golden coating and tender, flaky fish inside, this dish delivers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Traditionally seasoned with simple spices and coated with cornmeal for that signature crunch, fried catfish is often served with tangy tartar sauce, fresh lemon wedges, and classic side dishes like coleslaw, fries, or hush puppies.

This recipe is loved for its simplicity and delicious results. Whether you are preparing a cozy family dinner, a weekend gathering, or just craving something crispy and satisfying, Southern Fried Catfish is always a crowd-pleaser. The secret to perfect fried catfish lies in proper seasoning, a well-balanced coating, and frying at the right temperature to achieve that irresistible crunch without making the fish greasy.

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Fish

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Serving

• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce or hot sauce (optional)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

1. Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Place the fillets in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them.
3. Let them soak for about 20–30 minutes. This helps tenderize the fish and removes any strong fishy taste.

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Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In a shallow dish, mix together:
   • Cornmeal
   • Flour
   • Paprika
   • Garlic powder
   • Onion powder
   • Cayenne pepper
   • Salt and black pepper
2. Stir well until the seasoning is evenly combined.

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Step 3: Coat the Fish

1. Remove each fillet from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
2. Press the fillets into the cornmeal mixture, coating them thoroughly on all sides.
3. Place coated fillets on a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to help the coating stick better.

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Step 4: Fry the Catfish

1. Heat about 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 175°C (350°F).
2. Carefully place the fillets into the hot oil.
3. Fry for about 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the fish and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve the fried catfish hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce. It pairs wonderfully with:

• French fries
• Coleslaw
• Cornbread
• Mashed potatoes
• Fresh salad

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💡 Tips for Perfect Fried Catfish

✔ Use fresh or properly thawed fish for best texture.
✔ Maintain oil temperature to keep the coating crispy.
✔ Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
✔ Let coated fish rest before frying for better crust adhesion.

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