Description
Fried catfish is a delightful dish boasting a crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish that transports you back to joyous gatherings. With its golden-brown crust and rich smoky flavor, this recipe is perfect for family reunions or cozy nights in. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a versatile meal that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides or stands out on its own as a savory snack. Get ready to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings with this mouthwatering fried catfish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup coarse cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Rinse catfish fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow dish, marinate the fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
- Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
- Fry fillets for 3–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F).
- Drain excess oil on paper towels before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fried catfish fillet (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg