Description
Southern Fried Catfish is a classic comfort dish featuring fillets dredged in a seasoned cornmeal-flour mix and fried to golden, crispy perfection. It’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds catfish fillets (about 4 fillets)
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pat catfish fillets dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry fillets for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- Soak fillets in buttermilk for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Skip the flour for a crunchier, rustic coating.
- Add Cajun seasoning for a spicier variation.
- Works with other white fish like tilapia or cod.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness—avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
