Classic Fried Catfish Recipe

Introduction

If you’re craving a taste of the South, look no further than this Classic Fried Catfish recipe! 🐟 This recipe has been a staple in our household for over a decade, ever since my wife discovered it on www.catfish.com. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have perfectly crispy and flavorful catfish fillets in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home too! 😋

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 catfish fillets
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic granules
1/2 cup olive oil (for frying)
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prep the Catfish: Start by rinsing the catfish fillets under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the breading sticks perfectly to the fish.
Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and garlic granules. Mix well to ensure that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breading mixture.
Coat the Catfish: Dredge each catfish fillet in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to coat the fish evenly on all sides. Place the coated fillets on a piece of waxed paper or a clean plate while you heat the oil.
Fry the Catfish: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Carefully place the coated catfish fillets into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve: Once the catfish fillets are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Serve the fried catfish hot, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce also pairs perfectly with this dish!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 328.5
Fat: 13.1g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 74.7mg
Sodium: 1255.4mg
Carbohydrates: 24.1g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 0.3g
Protein: 27.5g

Tips and Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading mixture to suit your taste preferences.
If you prefer a lighter coating, you can use a mixture of cornmeal and breadcrumbs instead of just cornmeal.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding herbs such as parsley, thyme, or paprika to the breading mixture.
If you don’t have catfish on hand, this recipe works equally well with other firm-fleshed fish such as tilapia, trout, or perch.

Conclusion

With its crispy golden exterior and tender, flavorful interior, this Classic Fried Catfish recipe is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a taste of the South, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So fire up the stove, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort right in your own kitchen! 🍽️