Soak the fish
Start by soaking your catfish fillets in buttermilk for about thirty minutes. This step not only tenderizes the fish but also adds a mild tang that pairs beautifully with the cornmeal crust.
Prepare the coating
In a shallow dish, mix together cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. This blend creates that iconic golden crust.
Heat the oil
In a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan, heat your oil to 350°F. Maintaining the right temperature is key — it keeps the coating crispy while preventing the fish from soaking up too much oil.
Coat the fillets
Remove the fish from the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, and dredge each piece in the cornmeal mixture until it’s fully coated.
Fry to perfection
Place the coated fillets gently into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about three to four minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Drain and serve
Transfer the fried catfish to a wire rack or paper towel–lined plate. Serve hot with hush puppies, tartar sauce, or hot sauce.
Variations to Try
Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne or a dash of chili powder to the cornmeal mix.
Smoky Flavor: Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika.
Hot Sauce Kick: Marinate the fish in hot sauce before dredging for a tangy, spicy twist.
Crunch Factor: For a thicker crust, double-dredge — dip the fillet back into buttermilk and then into the cornmeal mixture again before frying.
Pro Tips for the Best Fried Catfish
Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F. Too low and your fish will be greasy; too high and the crust may burn before the inside cooks.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Frying in small batches keeps the oil hot and ensures crispy results.
Use a wire rack instead of stacking the fish on paper towels — this keeps the crust crunchy.
Serve immediately! Fried catfish tastes best hot and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Fried catfish is traditionally served with hush puppies, coleslaw, and a few slices of lemon on the side.
Some people love dipping it in tartar sauce, while others swear by a splash of hot sauce. For a true Southern-style plate, add cornbread and collard greens to the mix.
Conclusion
Fried catfish isn’t just a recipe — it’s a tradition. With its crunchy cornmeal coating and tender, flaky inside, this dish has brought families together for generations.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard fish fry or just craving some Southern comfort food, this recipe delivers all the flavor and crunch you could want. So grab your skillet, heat up the oil, and treat yourself to the crispy goodness of homemade fried catfish.
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