Crispy Southern Fried Catfish the Real Deal
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever craved that crispy fried catfish recipe goodness? Honestly, who hasn’t? This is the catfish fish fry recipe that'll transport you straight to a Southern fish fry.
The secret? Perfectly seasoned cornmeal and that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Brief Overview
This soul food fried fish tradition is a down home staple. It is incredibly easy fried fish preparation and will take about 45- 50 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe will easily feed four hungry folks.
Main Benefits
Fried catfish recipes are more than just tasty. Catfish are packed with protein! Perfect for those summer cookouts or a casual Friday night.
What makes this best catfish fry recipe truly special is the blend of spices. They create an unforgettable flavor, even if you are in the middle of Birmingham.
Craving Southern fried catfish ? Me too. It's not just about frying fish. It’s about sharing a tradition. And yes, even I've had my fair share of soggy fish disasters.
This recipe draws from the heart of the South. My grandma used to make this all the time. I still remember her teaching me how to fry catfish perfectly .
Our homemade Southern fish fry coating is where the magic truly happens. We have that secret blend of spices. This ensures your catfish recipe with cornmeal is anything but bland.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, so you wanna nail this catfish fish fry recipe ? Don’t worry. I got you! We're about to break down exactly what you need. Think of this as your shopping list.
Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
Here’s what you'll need to create the best catfish fry recipe .
Catfish Fillets: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Look for firm, white flesh, and absolutely no fishy smell! The quality catfish makes all the difference.
Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) . The real deal here, it tenderizes the fish and helps the breading stick.
Hot Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) . A Louisiana style is my go-to.
Yellow Mustard: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
Yellow Cornmeal: 1 cup (120g) , finely ground.
All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) .
Cornstarch: 2 tbsp (30ml) .
Salt: 2 tsp (10g) .
Black Pepper: 1 tsp (5g) , freshly ground.
Garlic Powder: 1 tsp (5g) .
Onion Powder: 1 tsp (5g) .
Paprika: 1/2 tsp (2.5g) .
Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25g) .
Vegetable Oil: 3-4 cups (720-960ml) . For frying. Canola, peanut, or corn oil works great.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
For an authentic southern fried catfish , the seasoning is EVERYTHING!
- Essential Spice Combo : Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder is where it starts!
- Flavor Enhancers : Paprika adds color, and cayenne brings a little kick.
- Spice substitutions? if you want a spice kicker, add chili powder. Also smoked paprika to make it smoky.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets. Just the basics for delicious soul food fried fish .
- Large bowl : For marinating the fish.
- Shallow dish or plate : For the breading station.
- Large skillet or deep fryer : I tend to use a skillet.
- Tongs : To flip and remove the fish.
- Wire rack : This is the BEST to drain the oil.
- Paper towels :
- Thermometer : If you're serious.
Crispy Southern Fried Catfish: The Real Deal
Oh my gosh, you guys! Are you ready for some serious comfort food? I'm talking about crispy fried catfish recipe that'll transport you straight to a Southern fish fry.
Honestly, nothing beats this. This is a classic, down home dish that's surprisingly easy to make, even for a beginner cook.
So grab your apron, and let's get started! This catfish fish fry recipe is truly easy to master.
Prep Like a Pro
Getting organized is key, y’all. Essential mise en place ? Absolutely! First, pat those 1.5 lbs of catfish fillets dry.
Then, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 tbsp of hot sauce, and 1 tbsp of yellow mustard in a bowl.
Pop the catfish in there to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if you have the time.
Next, mix your coating in a shallow dish. You'll need 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp of cornstarch, 2 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of black pepper, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1/2 tsp of paprika, and a pinch (1/4 tsp) of cayenne pepper if you like a little kick.
Get everything measured out beforehand, and you'll be frying like a pro. This soul food fried fish is a game changer.
step-by-step to Catfish Perfection
Alright, time to fry!
- Heat 3-4 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350° F ( 175° C) . This is the critical temperature !
- Dredge each piece of marinated catfish in the cornmeal mixture. Make sure it's fully coated. The fish breading should be nice and even.
- Carefully place the coated catfish into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 3- 4 minutes per side. Look for that beautiful golden brown colour!
- Ensure the internal temperature hits 145° F ( 63° C) . This ensures it’s cooked through properly.
- Remove the best catfish fry recipe from the oil and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain.
- Serve immediately!
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
Want to take your Southern fried catfish to the next level? Here are some tricks I've learned:
- Don't overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature up.
- Double dredge for extra crunch: cornmeal, buttermilk, cornmeal again. Thank me later!
- If you want to make-ahead the easy fried fish preparation , you can prepare the homemade Southern fish fry coating mix and store it in an airtight container. This will cut down on prep time when you're ready to fry.
Honestly, this catfish recipe with cornmeal is a crowd pleaser every time. Enjoy! You know? Cooking is supposed to be a fun and relaxing experience.
Get out and try this how to fry catfish perfectly and you won't regret it.
Recipe Notes for the Best Catfish Fish Fry Recipe
Alright, so you're about to dive into making the best catfish fish fry recipe . Ace! Before you start frying, let's run through a few tips and tricks to make sure your soul food fried fish is absolutely banging.
It's pretty easy fried fish preparation but a few pointers can't hurt, right? Think of it as my way of saving you from any potential kitchen disasters!
Ace Plating for your Southern Fried Catfish:
Presentation matters, even for comfort food. Seriously! Pile your crispy Southern fried catfish high on a platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
It just makes it look that much more inviting. A bit of colour never hurt anyone, honestly. Consider serving it family style.
Everyone can dig in and feel like they're at a proper homemade Southern fish fry . Coleslaw is a classic match, its tanginess cuts through the richness.
Then there are Hushpuppies ; those deep fried cornmeal balls are a proper treat and go so well with fried fish.
Don't forget the tartar sauce , a proper dollop of creamy, tangy goodness. Serve with a lemon wedge for that bit of zing! Wash it all down with sweet tea, obviously.
Storing the Catfish (if you have any left!)
Right then, if you've got leftovers, lucky you! Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop it in an airtight container.
Honestly? I rarely have any left, it's too good! I don’t recommend freezing catfish recipe with cornmeal , as it loses its crispness when defrosted.
To reheat, whack it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes. This helps keep it crispy.
Microwaving's a no-go unless you like your crispy fried catfish recipe a bit soggy.
Variations on this Fried Catfish Recipes
Fancy a bit of a twist? Add a pinch of chilli powder or smoked paprika to the fish breading for a bit of a smoky kick.
Lemon pepper catfish recipe with cornmeal is also delicious. Just use lemon pepper seasoning instead of paprika and cayenne. Need a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free flour and cornmeal.
Not a fan of catfish? Cod or haddock works perfectly too. You can use plain yogurt with a squeeze of lemon instead of buttermilk.
Nutrition Basics about Southern Fried Fish
Each serving of this Southern fried catfish is estimated to have around 450-550 calories. It is packed with 35-45g of protein, 25-35g of fat, and 20-30g of carbs.
Catfish is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12. Plus, it's absolutely delicious!
So there you have it! All the recipe notes to ensure your how to fry catfish perfectly is a proper success. Enjoy, and don't forget to tell me how it turns out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to getting really crispy catfish in this catfish fish fry recipe?
Ah, the million dollar question! The key is all in the prep and temperature. Make sure your oil is at a consistent 350°F (175°C) use a thermometer to be sure, rather than guessing like Del Boy. Also, don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain that ideal temperature for maximum crispiness.
A dry fish gives better coating results.
Can I use a different type of fish if I can't find catfish for this fish fry?
Absolutely! While this is a catfish fish fry recipe, cod or haddock make excellent substitutes. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different fish might cook a bit faster or slower. No one will be shouting "Stone the crows!" if you swap it out for a similar flaky white fish.
What's the best way to store leftover fried catfish and keep it from getting soggy?
Storing fried fish is always a bit tricky, isn't it? Let the fried catfish cool completely on a wire rack before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, try baking it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help crisp it up a bit, just don't expect it to be quite as good as the day it was fried!
Is there anything I can serve with this catfish fish fry recipe to make it a proper Southern meal?
You betcha! No Southern fish fry is complete without the classics. Coleslaw is a must have to cut through the richness of the fried fish. Hushpuppies are another Southern staple. And don't forget a good tartar sauce or some hot sauce for dipping. Lemon wedge on the side will take it to the next level!
I'm on a gluten-free diet. Can I still enjoy this crispy Southern fried catfish?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the coating with a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Also, ensure that your cornmeal is certified gluten-free, as some brands may have cross contamination. Now you can enjoy this classic dish while sticking to your dietary needs!
Can I add more spice to the catfish fish fry recipe?
Absolutely! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of your favorite Cajun seasoning to the cornmeal mixture. You could also increase the amount of cayenne pepper, go wild! Serve with extra hot sauce for those who like to really crank up the heat like a vindaloo, but with fish!
Crispy Southern Fried Catfish The Real Deal
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 0g |
