Fried Catfish

Name: Fried Catfish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal (yellow); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 2 lbs catfish fillets; 2/3 cup buttermilk; 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1 fresh lemon, cut into wedges; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Crispy golden fried catfish fillets with a seasoned cornmeal crust. A Southern staple served with lemon and accompanied by classic sides.

27 minEasyServes 4380 cal/serving

Southern AmericanDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal (yellow)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 lbs catfish fillets
2/3 cup buttermilk
4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
1 fresh lemon, cut into wedges
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1

In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup cornmeal (yellow), 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Pour 2/3 cup buttermilk into another shallow dish.
2

Heat 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying) to 350°F in a deep skillet or large pot. The oil is ready when a small piece of coating sizzles immediately.
3

Pat 2 lbs catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Dip each fillet in buttermilk, then dredge thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, shaking off excess.
4

Carefully place coated catfish into the hot oil and fry for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
5

Remove catfish with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with 1 cut into wedges fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Questions

Can I make Fried Catfish dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 2/3 cup buttermilk. Swap the buttermilk for plant milk soured with a teaspoon of vinegar per cup. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Fried Catfish gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Fried Catfish keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within two days (seafood turns fast). Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Fried Catfish?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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