Mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Or use a deep fry thermometer to measure the temperature of the oil. If we were lucky enough to find them biting that is. Classic Fried Catfish Recipe - Southern Living Then, set up your breading station: Dish #1: Whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning in a shallow dish. The choice is yours! In a shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, creole seasoning, paprika, sugar, and black pepper. But it can also be grilled, baked, or pan-fried. Place the fish fillets on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or just until heated through. I will make this recipe for dinner tomorrow. Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska New Jersey New York Oregon Puerto Rico South Carolina South Dakota Texas Utah Wisconsin. Serve fried catfish with any of these delicious dishes! Maybe it's the combination of a truly American fish with a truly American grain. A stale spice can easily ruin a dish. Great recipe. 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay. Hi, Blair If you have leftovers, transform this recipe for fried catfish into fried catfish tacos or sandwiches. Calabash, NC has a great seafood restaurant near the causeway bridge that is SO good. Thanks, Jonathan! Dont judge me. There are saltwater catfish as well. Whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Every year, my family would all meet up with all our relatives in Charleston, Mississippi, to celebrate my Big Mama's birthday. But you can serve anything youd serve with any fish fry, such as old-fashioned potato salad, tartar sauceand bread and butter pickles. Serve your catfish with whatever you want, but traditionally you'd want cole slaw and hush puppies, which, if you've never heard of them, are a fried cornmeal dumpling. You might also like: Carolina Crawfish Boil, Or, maybe this one? Deep-fried Mississippi catfish: An easy recipe for busy parents. Freezing is not recommended. Combine cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning in a 2-gallon resealable plastic bag. Turn the stove down to medium and place each fillet into the oil to cook. This was so easy to make at home, thanks for all the tips! Ensure its at the correct temperature and dont overcrowd the oil with the fillets, as this lowers the temperature. I made this last night, turned out Amazing!!!!! What I do is heat my oil while I am preparing the dish. Serving ideas.If youd like to go full-fried with this meal, fried okra, homemade french fries, or hush puppies would be delicious pairings. I always cook my hush puppies in the same oil used to fry our catfish once all the fish has been fried. Thanks! Thank you for your comments about the fried catfish! We know, it may sound odd, but the result is an extra-flavorful catfish that, once coated and fried, is a crispy, satisfying dinner that rivals even our favorite. Choose a neutral oil. If your fried catfish is mushy, place the fillets in the oven or air fryer to crisp up. Every step we take is either up or down. Thank you, Jennifer! Directions. Ive heard too many stories about how painful a catfish sting can be. Im sure Ill get some Comments about not using corn meal to bread my catfish with. The oil will absorb into the batter, giving it a richer taste that's more similar to traditional fried catfish, and will help crisp up the coating without drying it out. I like to use my cast iron skillet for this. Place catfish in a single layer in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish; pour buttermilk mixture over fish. If you and your family enjoy fish, catfish is a great option! . My brother talks now about there were times when we didnt have any type of meat to cook, so wed go down to a nearby pond to catch a mess of fish, for supper. TikTok video from Brass Cuisine Spices (@brasscuisine): "Fried Catfish #friedcatfish #seafoodlover #fyp #foryoupage". Serve with coleslaw, hush puppies, french fries, and lemon wedges or other sides. Fried catfish is a Southern staple everyone should get behind. Rinse catfish and set aside. Enjoyed the fish, thank you so much. How simple is that? Fried catfish is an icon of Southern cooking: For many, there simply isn't any other way to prepare it. To bread the fish . Thanks Your email address will not be published. Tried this recipe for my pot luck. I'm not apprehensive about frying fish anymore. Serve with lemon wedges, vinegar, or tartar sauce. When you can drop a pinch of flour into the oil and see it sizzle, it should be hot enough to fry the fish. Be Blessed!!! So, look for updates soon. Set up 3 dredging stations (I use pie plates) and in the first combine the flour, salt, pepper, Creole or Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, paprika, onion and garlic powder. Why do you soak catfish in milk before frying? If you make this recipe, please scroll down and leave a rating and comment! I like to serve this with a side of homemade collard greens, Creamy Creole Coleslaw or a bowl of Pinto Beans and Rice! ALL CONTENT PROTECTED UNDER THE DIGITAL MILLENNIUM COPYRIGHT ACT. Buttermilk and hot sauce. How to Fry Catfish Smile. Wonderfully crisp! I hope you can get your hands on some catfish thats one of my favorite meals. If you can't get to Middendorf's in Louisiana, then this thin fried catfish recipe is the next best thing! (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9" }).render("7917806a0d7f4109a1cb2a4492c81a1a"); }); This recipe comes from Taste of Home contributor Pattie Prescott. Southern recipes are always a hit with my Southern man so Im going to have to try this! This incredibly popular dish is a huge favorite in the Southern states, but especially in Mississippi where fish frys are famous for their golden brown catfish. No more drive through fried catfish for me! Every Southerner knows that a good piece of fried fish can become great, depending on the company it keeps. You put flour or cornmeal on fish before frying it because it gives the fish that crispy coating. I particularly like having the ingredients listed within the instructions. If this really bugs you, throw out the first batch of oil and start over. Also, dont crowd the pan with the fish. Easy Crispy Fried Catfish Recipe - Southern.Food.com Here's how to make it Simple, 3-step recipe that's proven time and time again to work! Just like with fried chicken, you're going to want to marinate the catfish in buttermilk before dredging and frying. -Matthew, Hi, Matthew! We dont even have a seafood counter at our local grocery store, but I know that I can always find catfish at our local country market. Add cooking oil to about one inch depth in a cast iron skillet. Once the fillet is placed in the pan DON'T TOUCH IT for at least 3 minutes. Sprinkle fish with 1/4 teaspoon salt; dredge in cornmeal mixture, coating evenly. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to 1 cup of plain milk. Rinse the catfish fillets, and pat dry. We fried all our fish and seafood in what is known in my area as Calabash Style. Once the oil reaches 350F, sprinkle the catfish fillets with salt and dredge them into the breading. This fried catfish recipe is a classic Southern dish traditionally served with buttermilk hush puppies and buttermilk coleslaw. Plus, it comes together in a jif and you can prep the catfish and breading earlier in the day so it's ready to dredge and fry quickly when it's time for dinner. In the past, people soaked wild-caught catfish in buttermilk to remove the muddy flavor. Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and place inside the oven. You can do it either way! , Copyright 2008-2023 Southern Plate All Rights Reserved Site design by Emily White Designs. The southern-style batter is flavorful and crispy and super easy! Preheat the oven to 350F. The classic sides for fried catfish for a fish camp menu are coleslaw, hush puppies, and french fries. This is seafood at its best, yall! Turn the oven to 200 to keep the catfish warm while you fry in batches. The best and most common cooking method for catfish is deep-frying. Fried Catfish (Easy-to-Follow Recipe) - Thriving Home He held it up and it was almost as big as he was. Youll also need some cooking oil for frying, but it just wasnt up to having its photo made today. Ive got detailed deep-frying instructions above. Set a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet. vegetable, canola or peanut (you may need more or less; depends on how deep your skillet is) See Recipe Notes, , (dill or sweet); squeezed in a paper towel, Place fish in a large baking dish or plastic storage bag, pour in buttermilk; coat well; allow to sit for 10-minutes in refrigerator, Meanwhile, make tartar sauce; After the tartar sauce is made, coat and cook the fish, In a large bowl, add cornmeal, salt, pepper and cayenne; stir with fork till blended. I did use a glove sometimes as well. I would also love to have your hush puppy recipe. So yeah, dont miss that catfish batter! You can make buttermilk by adding fresh lemon juice to plain milk. Your email address will not be published. The simple process of dredging the fish in seasoned cornmeal and pan-frying in shallow butter and oil yields crispy fillets with great flavor and they cook quickly! Oven Fried Catfish - Bake It With Love Let us know how it went in the comment section below! Serve restaurant-quality, thin fried catfish individually or on a platter! Fish Catfish Oven-Fried Catfish 4.3 (332) 246 Reviews 11 Photos This recipe is a great alternative to pan-fried catfish. Privacy Policy. Grease a 13x9 glass baking dish with the oil, and set aside. The nutritional analysis for this recipe reflects an estimated 10% of the oil for frying as well as the full amount of the coating and breading. You can add a variety of herbs and spices to your cornmeal mixture. 1 lb catfish fillets, cup cornmeal, cup plain breadcrumbs, tablespoon Cajun . When its time to reheat, either place them in your air fryer or in a regular oven to ensure theyre nice and crispy once more. Now, for your hush puppy recipe please??? Add a 1/4 teaspoon of celery seed. I love the crunchy coating and it was very easy to make! Required fields are marked *. Would you mind telling me what kind of skillet that is in the pics, the one with hammered finish. A "clean" and delicious-tasting fish, this recipe is simple and so easy to make. Combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder on a pie plate. Take care, and have a great week ahead! Place the filet in flour and fully coat both sides. Heat the oil in a deep saucepot or small fryer to 350 degrees F. Next, in a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, ensuring to mix well. Please make sure your spices are fresh. We like to serve our catfish with coleslaw, baked beans, and homemade hush puppies (if we can spare the time). Cover and chill 8 hours, turning once. As of July 2022, this recipe has been updated with a fish quantity. Pour about a half-inch of oil into your skillet. . Arguments rage over whether it's best deep-fried, battered, breaded with cornmeal, or even just simply dredged in flour. Once done, place fillets on a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to drain. Southern Fried Catfish is easy to make and this restaurant-quality recipe won't disappoint! Salt and Pepper to taste Place buttermilk in a shallow bowl or container. COMBINE first 5 ingredients in a large shallow dish. Keep warm in a 225F oven until ready to serve. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, youll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. I like white cornmeal, while my mother uses white self-rising flour and just puts in a little less salt (self-rising already has salt in it). Transfer the catfish pieces to the bag of seasoned cornmeal and flour, seal, and toss to coat well. Your restaurant must have been really good. To reheat leftovers, skip the microwave; it can dry out the fish. I use a 10"inch cast-iron skillet and cook two fillets at a time. Southern Fried Catfish Recipe : Taste of Southern FLIP the filet over and repeat the process of salt and pepper on the other side as well. Catfish fillets, buttermilk, cornmeal, frying oil, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Why do I need to soak the catfish in buttermilk? Dredge catfish fillets inthe cornmeal mixture and press down gently. After the heat has been reduced, put the skillet back on the burner. 12 Popular Catfish Recipes for Busy Weeknights - IzzyCooking What a great recipe! Catfish went very quickly. ), The first batch always turns out lighter than the others because the oil is fresh. Smile. There's no need to go out to dinner when you can make restaurant-quality fried catfish at home! Take a tour and check out delicious recipes! Reeling them in when they took your bait was always fun because they put up a good fight. Had that tonight. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption. I have eaten catfish all my life!! If your fried catfish fillets turn mushy, its usually because your oil isnt hot enough. Instructions. Allow the fish to come to room temperature on the counter while the oven heats. Youll want the oil to heat to around 375F, the best frying temperature for fish. When we moved to Oklahoma I couldnt believe people actually ate catfish! Home | What We're Eating | Crispy Southern Fried Catfish, published on Feb 16, 2022, updated Feb 18, 2023. If you know how to grab ahold of them, you can pretty much guarantee you wont get stung by one of those fins. One of the most classic Southern main dishes, you can keep things simple and serve the fried fish with a lemon wedge, vinegar, and some tartar sauce. We always placed cooked fish in a large pan that had a wire rack in it so the fish would stay crispy during the restaurant days. While the oil is heating, soak the catfish in the milk or buttermilk. To ensure crispy fish in every batch, make sure the oil reaches the proper frying temperature again if it dips. Mix the cornmeal, flour and spices together. Thats the carbon steel round roaster made by Smithey Ironworks. Keep an eye on the oil. Now I love a good beer batter, and some fish are best with that simple dredge of flour. Hopefully I will get a response soon, if not, I'm double Dippin! This is where you can get creative if you like. Rinse filets under cold running water. Notice I said pretty much guarantee. SHOP DUTCH OVENS Southern Potato Salad Will Dickey Drain on paper towels. If the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down and remove the skillet from the burner for a few minutes. Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2 days. Whisk or toss to evenly disperse spices. Deep fry fish fillets until golden brown (about three to five minutes) and then turn them over to brown the other side. Dip catfish in milk, then in cornmeal. Now you have buttermilk! Coat a rimmed baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of oil and place the fish directly on it. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet. Catfish isnt available everywhere in our state. Easy Southern Fried Catfish Recipe - Delicious Recipes We've all had soggy fried catfish, and that's just not what we're aiming for today. Bring remaining oil back to the proper temperature by using a deep-fat thermometer before frying the next batch. We (my fishing-age kids and I) were wondering what recipes you would recommend for other white fish like Sunfish- I love trout almandine, but not sure how that would work with sunfish.. Would you happen to have any suggestions? Sprinkle black pepper on both sides. This is important and key to this recipe. Its totally free, and super easy to sign up. Taste of the South: Fried Catfish - Southern Living In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Serve with coleslaw or sweet potato fries, and get ready for smiles. I haven't made it by your recipe yet, but that sounds very much like what I tried before. The coating stayed on well when cooking, which was a plus. .css-13cdu9y{display:block;font-family:GTHaptikBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-13cdu9y:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-13cdu9y{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-13cdu9y{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-13cdu9y{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-13cdu9y{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}Mardi Gras King Cake, The History Of King Cake And The Plastic Baby. Simple is best, and this Southern Fried Catfish is no exception. Your email address will not be published. Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginias Blue Ridge Mountains. Chill in freezer until cold, about 30 minutes. When frying, your oil should be hot enough to sear the outside of what you are cooking but not so hot that it burns before it gets done inside. But you want to fry the fish in a 400-degree air fryer for about 8 minutes on each side. My spicy catfish recipe is really easy. My husband and i had it last night and are still talking about it! Shake off the excess and gently lay into the hot oil. Catfish can sting you if you handle them incorrectly. I dont think Ive seen catfish in the grocery stores where I live. Have a wonderful week! You can probably see some small traces of the skin on this side of the filet. Cook: 5 min./batch Makes 4 servings Updated: Oct. 24, 2022 Pancake mix and carbonated water are the surprising secrets to these beautifully browned catfish fillets. Whether you catch them yourself, or buy some farm raised, Catfish is a real Southern favorite. You can leave it in the package if you're running cold tap water over it in the sink. Catfish is pond raised and Seafood comes from the sea (ocean) aka saltwater fish/seafood. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionists advice. 01 of 73. PLEASE do not copy recipes and post on your site or use my photos without permission (see above legal notice). It sounds delicious! My earliest memories of fried catfish were at our annual family reunion. After flipping the fillet, let it cook for another 3 minutes again, DON'T TOUCH IT. Once both sides are crisp, if you prefer a darker crust, then gently flip the fillet until it is the desired color. Tips for the best fried catfish. Thank you for even posting a picture of fried catfish one of my all time favorites! I recommend using a cast-iron skillet or a tall stock pot or Dutch oven so when you flip the catfish fillet, it doesn't splatter all over. The signup box is below and youll also find one in the top right hand corner of each page. Don't judge me. You can also freeze leftovers for up to three months in an airtight container or plastic bag. Restaurant-Quality Fried Catfish | Catfish recipes, Fried catfish Have you tried our Southern Fried Catfish? Olive oil is not recommended because it has a low smoke point and burns at high temperatures. Next, combine 1 tbsp ground black pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 2 tbsp creole seasoning. Your email address will not be published. A combination of cornmeal and a variety of spices gives this recipe a savory kick in less than 30 minutes. If you are having issues with the cornmeal crust not sticking through the frying process, try a trick I use for my fried chicken - once breaded, cover the filets with a damp paper towel and let them sit for 10 minutes before frying until they are a little tacky on the outside. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Southern Fried Catfish Recipe - Add a Pinch Especially when it comes to fried catfish! For the breading, use fine, white cornmeal if you can find it. EASY Southern Fried Catfish Nuggets Recipe - Be Greedy Eats More States I Have Visited in my American Eats Series. Catch the fish at your favorite lake, and we bet it will taste even sweeter. You should also add some garlic powder, paprika, and salt for optimal flavor. A staple in every Southern kitchen, beyond this recipe, I honestly have never even given seafood a fighting chance, as my mother was not a seafood person. I much prefer getting my catfish filet's from my local fish market. But, you can never go wrong with serving up coleslaw, Southern potato salad, or collard greens with this fried dish. In a deep fryer or cast iron skillet, heat the oil to 350 degrees F. Using the cornmeal mixture, dredge each fish filet and shake off the excess. For the perfect fried catfish dinner, serve the fish with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping, plus any of these easy sides: The fried fish isbest served warm, directly from the fryer. You only want a light coating of the flour, but be sure to coat both sides well. Add fillets to the bag, a few at a time, and tumble gently until evenly coated. Dont overcrowd the skillet! If youd prefer to use a deep fryer, heat it to 350 degrees. I'm kicking off Mississippi Week in my American Eats series with this favorite fish dish from across the South but one that is always a hit in the Magnolia State! -Steve. Place catfish in brine, cover, and . I never fished on Sundays. Just be careful, take your time, and all should go well. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Optional garnish: lemon wedges and fresh parsley, fish recipe, fried catfish, fried fish, pan fried catfish. Im so honored that you catch up with us here each Sunday! 5. No non-stick spray, no parchment paper or silicone mat. Ill send you an Email every once in awhile to remind you when I post a new recipe, or when anything else of importance is going on around Taste of Southern. Most importantly, cool the deep-fried catfish on a wire rack to make sure theyre nice and crispy when its time to serve. All rights reserved. Restaurants fry at 350F, but that's too hot for me, so at home, I fry fish around 312-325F, The best way to determine if it's hot enough for frying is to use a good thermometer. I love fried fish. IE 11 is not supported. I'm Anecia, a native Texan, author, cook and photographer for SmartyPantsKitchen where I'm sharing Traditional and Contemporary Southern recipes for cooks of all levels. I cant believe how easy this is. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included. Perfect instructions for someone like me who doesnt usually cook fish. Fried Catfish - Grandbaby Cakes I always love hearing from you on Sundays! The instructions were easy to follow making it easy to be successful. Place on wire rack to drain. Hope it works. 3 Working in batches to avoid crowding, gently add the catfish, a few fillets at a time, and fry until golden brown on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Thank you! *All-purpose flour or plain yellow cornmeal may be substituted. As a kid I used to go catfish fishing in Massachusetts and New Hampshire all summer. You can also freeze fried catfish for up to 2 months. All thats missing is a side of crispy fries, right? Yes! No, definitely not. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Maybe you can bake it with butter and garlic like this simple tilapia? Now whos ready for a fish fry? Wont mention the name, but they had a fire a few years ago and has rebuilt. But, my brother owned a seafood restaurant for several years and I was the kitchen manager for it when it first opened. When choosing which oil to use for frying, make sure it has a high smoke point and neutral flavoror at least light in flavor, like peanut oil. Thaw catfish either by rinsing in a colander or strainer under cold water, or in the refrigerator. We made this into a sandwich with coleslaw on top. If you're looking for something a little heartier, make a fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish Po' Boy! Join me for a fish fry, will you? Jump to Recipe Catch of the Day! How to Make Fried Catfish, a Down-Home Southern Specialty Dont overcrowd the pan. Gently lower the fish filet into the hot oil. Spicy Fried Catfish Recipe | I Heart Recipes Dip each fillet into the cornmeal mixture on both sides to coat. And, should you ever decide that you are no longer interested, its even quicker to unsubscribe. The fish should be totally submerged in the hot lard while frying. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Recipe by Mrs Hermes Published on April 2, 2019 11 Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 25 mins Servings: 6 Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. I'm anxious to use your recipe. If you are frying small whole fish, fry until the fish pulls away from the bone at the thickest point, about 12 minutes. Place the catfish fillets into the hot oil. If they dont have it, (maybe its a seasonal thing in some areas?) Thank you! It turns out crispy and flavorful everytime! Place the seasoned fish in the bowl of seasoned cornmeal mixture; roll to totally coat the fish with cornmeal. You sure can. Used your recipe tonight for fried catfish! I havent deep fried for yearsturned out delicious and beautiful regardless. Serve it up hot with some homemade Cole slaw, maybe some fries or a baked potato, and with a few hushpuppies on the side. Compliments to the chef!!! Keywords: southern, fried, catfish, flour, calabash style, lightly battered, lightly fried. Turn on heat to medium or medium high heat. If you "double dip" it (back and forth) between the cornmeal and buttermilk, your coating will be thicker. I dont like to use paper towels, but you can if you have them. All they had to do was remove it from my line and it was theirs. Share your memories of this dish with us. Classic Fried Catfish Recipe - Deep-fried.Food.com Directions. You soak catfish to get rid of any leftover fish taste. Wish me luck on this hunt. Traditionally, youll see the Southern version served with hush puppies, fries and coleslaw, but you can serve any fish-fry favorites alongside it. But we also like some of these sides with our fried catfish filets when we want something a little little than all fried sides. Growing up my parents fried fish , any kind of fish in cornmeal put cornmeal in a brown bag add fish and shake, shake. Soaking fish in buttermilk is a method for minimizing the "fishy" smell. Hot sauce on the side, too.