Southern Fried Catfish has a golden brown, crispy, seasoned cornmeal coating and perfectly cooked tender flaky fish. Classic comfort food!
This classic Southern dish makes a filling and easy Dinner Recipe that’s sure to be a new favorite. For more deep-fried seafood dishes try my Popcorn Shrimp and Beer-Battered Fish!
Sabrina’s Southern Fried Catfish Recipe
When it comes to fried fish, catfish isn’t usually as popular because it can have a strong fishy flavor. But by soaking the fish in milk or buttermilk, the flavor becomes delicious and mild. Coated in cornmeal, and other seasonings, it easily fries to crispy perfection just like cod or other white fish. Serve this tasty crispy fish as a main dish with other classic Southern comfort food like Coleslaw and Mac and Cheese, or stick it in a hoagie roll with some tartar sauce for a tasty sandwich!
Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 pounds catfish , cut into 3" chunks
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
- tartar sauce
- malt vinegar
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Add buttermilk and catfish to a large ziplock bag or closed container.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- In a large shallow bowl stir together flour, cornmeal, paprika, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.
- Add 3 inches of oil to a large heavy pot and heat to 350 degrees on medium-high heat.
- Remove the fish from the buttermilk and let drip until it stops.
- Dredge in the flour cornmeal mixture well.
- Add to oil in small batches and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. See my frying tips in the notes section.
- Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges and a bottle of malt vinegar.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Too many pieces will reduce the temperature of the oil, causing the fish and breading to take longer to cook which means they soak up more oil giving you greasy fish.
- Drain the fried fish on a wire rack, not paper towels. Paper towels trap moisture causing steam which can make your coating soggy.
Nutrition
Want to save this recipe? Create a free account to easily save your favorite recipes
