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+ servings

Fried Catfish

Crispy and flavorful, this fried catfish is a Southern classic that brings a taste of the bayou to your table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Catfish
  • 1 pound catfish fillets fresh
  • 1 cup buttermilk for soaking
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
For Serving
  • 1 lemon lemon wedges for garnish
  • 1 cup tartar sauce optional

Method
 

Prepare the Catfish
  1. In a large bowl, soak the catfish fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the fish.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Catfish
  1. Remove the catfish from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off.
  2. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
Fry the Catfish
  1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  2. Carefully add the coated catfish fillets to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Fry the catfish for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain and Serve
  1. Remove the fried catfish from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  2. Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Notes

For extra flavor, add a bit of garlic powder to the coating mixture. Serve with coleslaw or fries for a complete meal.

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