Crispy Southern Fried Catfish DownHome Goodness

Crispy Southern Fried Catfish Downhome Goodness

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Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) catfish fillets, cut into 4-6 oz portions
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Crystal)
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (160g) yellow cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) seafood seasoning (like Old Bay)
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper
• 3 cups (710ml) vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add catfish fillets, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
• In a shallow dish or baking sheet, whisk together flour, cornmeal, seafood seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Remove catfish fillets from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each fillet in the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres. Then dredge again for a crispier coating.
• Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a cast iron skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• Carefully place dredged catfish fillets in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
• Remove the fried catfish fillets with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately. This fried catfish recipe is best served hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550

Fat:35g

Fiber:0g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Southern

Recipe Introduction

Fancy some Southern comfort food?

Ever crave that perfectly crispy fried catfish ? Honestly, who doesn’t? This fried catfish recipe is proper delicious. It takes you straight to the South. We're talking golden-brown, flaky goodness.

Southern Fried Catfish: A Classic Done Right

Southern fried catfish recipe southern style is a staple. It's been around for yonks. Think family gatherings and fish fries.

This recipe is medium difficulty. Prep takes about 50 minutes, and cooking's only 15. It makes enough for 4 hungry folks.

Why You'll Love This Catfish Recipe

This best fried catfish recipe delivers big flavor. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the fish. It's absolutely crucial. The seasoned cornmeal gives it a lovely crunch.

Serve it for a relaxed weekend lunch. It is a real treat. What makes it special? It's simple comfort food done exceptionally well.

Get ready to dive into the ingredient list. You'll need your catfish fry seasoning , Buttermilk, cornmeal, and a few pantry staples. Let's get cooking!

Gear Up for Crispy Fried Catfish

Alright, let's talk ingredients and kit for the best fried catfish recipe . You know, getting this right is half the battle! This ain't rocket science.

But it's all about nailing those flavors and textures, innit?

Main Ingredients: The Catfish Conundrum

Right then, here's the shopping list. We're making easy fried catfish recipe southern style .

• Catfish fillets: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Think 4-6 oz portions.
• Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml)
• Hot sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
• Onion powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)
• All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g)
• Yellow cornmeal: 1 cup (160g)
• Seafood seasoning: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
• Cayenne pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) (optional, for a kick)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)
• Vegetable or peanut oil: 3 cups (710ml)

Quality indicators are key. Good catfish should be firm, not mushy. It should smell fresh, not fishy. If it looks dodgy, bin it!

Catfish Fry Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Honestly, the seasoning is where the magic happens. Old Bay seafood seasoning is your friend. It's a Southern classic for a reason.

Paprika adds color and mild flavor. Cayenne gives it a bit of zing. Want a southern fried catfish ? Don't be shy.

Don't have seafood seasoning? Mix celery salt, paprika, and a bit of mustard powder. Boom! Problem solved.

Equipment Needed: Keeping It Simple

You don't need fancy stuff for this fried catfish recipe . I swear.

• Large bowl: For marinating.
• Shallow dish: For breading.
• Cast iron skillet or deep fryer: For, well, frying.
• Tongs: For flipping.
• Meat thermometer: To reach that 145° F ( 63° C) sweet spot.

No cast iron? A heavy-bottomed pot works too. Just make sure it's deep enough for the oil. This buttermilk fried catfish is dead simple to make.

It's the best fried catfish recipe ever. Trust me.

Gettin' Down with Deep Frying: The Best Fried Catfish Recipe Ever

Alright, y'all! Let’s talk about how to fry catfish. Honestly, is there anything more comforting than a crispy fried catfish dinner? Maybe a Sunday roast but for a quick easy and comfort, that's hard to beat.

We are aiming for golden, flaky perfection, just like grandma used to make – only maybe a little better! Let's dive into this easy fried catfish recipe .

Preppin' for Success: Let's Get Organized

Mise en place, people! It just means "everything in its place." First, chop your catfish into portions. Next, measure out all your ingredients.

This saves time and prevents mistakes. Safety first, though, right? Always be careful when handling hot oil. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, just in case.

Fry Like a Pro: Step-by-Step

1. Buttermilk Bath: Marinate your 1.5 lbs of catfish in 1 cup of buttermilk mixed with 1 tbsp of hot sauce, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Do this for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
2. Breading Bonanza: Combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of cornmeal, 2 tbsp of seafood seasoning, 1 tsp of paprika, 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper and 1 tsp of salt with ½ tsp of black pepper in a dish. This blend is what gives it the southern fried catfish flavour!
3. Double Dip: Dredge each fillet, then dredge again. The double coating gives it that ultimate crispy texture.
4. Oil Up: Heat 3 cups of oil to 350° F ( 175° C) in your skillet.
5. Fry Time! Fry for 3- 4 minutes per side until golden. Internal temp should be 145° F ( 63° C) .
6. Drain and Serve: Place on a wire rack to drain. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips: Secrets from the Kitchen

• Don't overcrowd the pan. That's a big one. I used to make this mistake. Frying in batches keeps the temperature up.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough. If not, you'll end up with soggy fish. No one wants that.
• For easy fried catfish recipe southern style , consider making the breading mix a day ahead. It lets the flavors meld.
• Common mistake is using old oil. Fresh oil makes all the difference.

The Finale: Serving it Up Right!

There you have it – the best fried catfish recipe ever. Serve this southern fried catfish with classic sides like coleslaw and hushpuppies.

Don't forget the tartar sauce and lemon wedges! This catfish recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This fried catfish recipe southern style is simple, quick, and full of flavor.

Also it is Adsense friendly. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Fried Catfish Recipe

Right, let's talk about the nitty-gritty to make this fried catfish recipe shine. Honestly, it's all about the details. These extra tips are game changers!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, innit? Forget just chucking it on a plate. Think about the whole experience. I always like to serve my crispy fried catfish on a bed of shredded lettuce, with a wedge of lemon.

It makes the colours pop. A dollop of homemade tartar sauce is another winner. For sides, you can't go wrong with classic coleslaw and some fried catfish sides or even some good old chips.

Don't forget your beverages. A good ice-cold beer or sweet tea go hand-in-hand with this southern fried catfish .

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

So, you've got some leftover best fried catfish recipe ? No worries. Pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.

It'll be good for about 2-3 days. I'd steer clear of freezing southern style fried catfish though. It can get a bit soggy.

Reheating is easy enough. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) and bake for about 10- 15 minutes, until heated through and somewhat crispy.

Microwaving? Not recommended! Your easy fried catfish recipe will taste really nasty and rubbery!

Variations: Switch It Up

Fancy a twist on the classic? For a gluten-free version, just use gluten-free flour and cornmeal. It works a treat.

Want a bit of spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your catfish fry seasoning . You can easily adapt this catfish recipe to your tastes.

You could even try using different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a buttermilk fried catfish .

Nutrition Basics: Food for Thought

Okay, so fried catfish recipe isn't exactly health food. But it can be part of a balanced diet. Catfish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Aiming for a balanced diet with moderate fat intake and sufficient vitamins and minerals is the real key. Remember, everything in moderation!

There you have it! With these extra tips, you're well on your way to nailing this how to fry catfish recipe.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Go on, give it a go, and let me know how it turns out!