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Fried Catfish

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

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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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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Questions

How hot should the oil be for Fried Catfish?

For Fried Catfish, the frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 2. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy. The target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why pat it dry first in Fried Catfish?

Step 3 reads: "Pat 2 lbs catfish fillets dry with paper towels." Surface water has to boil off before anything can brown. Drying at step 3 means the food sears in the first minute instead of steaming.

What can I use instead of buttermilk in Fried Catfish?

The entry for Fried Catfish calls for 2/3 cup buttermilk. In its place: Stir a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a cup of milk and let it stand five minutes. Plain yogurt thinned with milk also works.

Can I use a different white fish instead of the catfish in Fried Catfish?

Yes. Any firm white fish of similar thickness works: cod, haddock, pollock and halibut are interchangeable here. Timing follows thickness, not species. As written, the entry for Fried Catfish uses 2 lbs catfish fillets.

How hot is Fried Catfish?

Moderately. The heat in Fried Catfish comes from 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. For a milder plate, halve the cayenne; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

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