Justin Wilson’s Fried Catfish
Description: This crispy batter is superb for any fish, with crappie being our top pick. Whether you’re cooking up a modest catch or a big haul, this recipe adjusts to fit the amount of fish you have. Enjoy the delightful crunch and seasoned flavor that makes this dish a standout!
Category: Catfish
Keywords: < 30 Mins, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk 🥛
- 1 cup plain flour 🌾
- 1 cup cornmeal 🌽
- 1 tablespoon salt 🧂
- 2 1/2 teaspoons red cayenne pepper 🌶️
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- 1/8 teaspoon butter-flavored salt 🧈
- Cooking oil for frying 🌟
- Fish fillets (crappie or your choice) 🐟
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fish: Start by soaking your fish fillets in a bowl of milk. This helps to tenderize the fish and ensures the batter sticks well. Let them soak for about 10 minutes while you prepare the batter. 🥛
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl or a plastic bag, combine the plain flour, cornmeal, salt, red cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and butter-flavored salt. Stir or shake the mixture until the ingredients are thoroughly blended, creating a seasoned coating for your fish. 🌾🌽
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Coat the Fish: Remove the fish fillets from the milk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each fillet in the seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. For an extra crispy finish, you can double coat by dipping the fillets back in the milk and then in the dry mixture again. 🐟🌟
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Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat enough cooking oil to float the fish, approximately 1 to 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial that the oil is hot enough but not smoking, to achieve a crispy, golden crust without overcooking the fish. 🌡️🛢️
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Fry the Fish: Carefully place the coated fillets into the hot oil. Fry the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy fish. Cook each batch for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fish and drain them on paper towels. 🍴✨
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the fried catfish hot, alongside your favorite sides like coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness of this Southern classic!
Notes:
- Adjust the amount of red cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your taste preference.
- Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent by adjusting the heat as needed during frying.
- For best results, use fresh fish fillets and follow the steps carefully for a perfectly crispy coating.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
