Fried Catfish
Fried catfish is a Southern classic that combines a crispy, golden crust with tender, flaky fish. This dish transforms any meal into a celebration, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Each bite offers an explosion of flavor and nostalgia, making it more than just food—it’s a shared experience that brings families together. Serve it with your favorite sides for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb catfish fillets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup fine cornmeal
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut)
Instructions
- Soak the catfish fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cornmeal, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove fillets from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture until fully coated.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Test readiness by dropping a pinch of cornmeal; it should sizzle.
- Fry the fillets for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg