Why Make This Recipe
Southern Fried Catfish is a classic dish that brings the taste of the South right to your kitchen. This recipe is easy to follow and creates a delicious, crispy catfish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just craving some comfort food, this dish is a great choice. It’s not only flavorful but also fun to make!
How to Make Southern Fried Catfish
Ingredients:
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Directions:
- Soak the catfish fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Remove the catfish from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge the fillets in the cornmeal mixture, coating them well.
- Fry the catfish in hot oil for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried catfish from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot.
How to Serve Southern Fried Catfish
Southern Fried Catfish pairs well with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or fries. You could also serve it with a squeeze of lemon or a side of tartar sauce for added flavor. Enjoy it hot for the best taste!
How to Store Southern Fried Catfish
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked catfish for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving again.
Tips to Make Southern Fried Catfish
- For extra flavor, let the catfish soak in buttermilk for longer, if time allows.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
Variation
You can add your favorite spices to the cornmeal mix to give the catfish a different twist. Try adding paprika for a smoky flavor or even some dried herbs like thyme or dill for a fresh taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen catfish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen catfish fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before soaking them in buttermilk.
2. Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
3. Can I bake the catfish instead of frying it?
While frying is the traditional method, you can bake the catfish. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Southern Fried Catfish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Add more for extra heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Preparation
- Soak the catfish fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Remove the catfish from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge the fillets in the cornmeal mixture, coating them well.
- Fry the catfish in hot oil for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried catfish from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot.