Golden, crispy on the outside, flaky and tender on the inside—fried catfish is a Southern classic that’s perfect for family dinners, fish fries, and weekend gatherings.
🐟 Ingredients
For the Catfish
- 2 pounds catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1½ cups yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable, peanut, or canola oil for frying
👩🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water.
- Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- If the fillets are large, cut them into serving-size pieces.
🥣 Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a shallow bowl, whisk together:
- Buttermilk
- Egg
- Hot sauce (if using)
Add the catfish fillets and coat well.
Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes for extra flavor and tenderness.
🌽 Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In another shallow dish combine:
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cajun seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix thoroughly.
🍳 Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Pour about 2 inches of oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven.
- Heat to 350°F (175°C).
A kitchen thermometer helps maintain the perfect frying temperature.
🐟 Step 5: Coat the Fish
- Remove each fillet from the buttermilk.
- Let the excess drip off.
- Press both sides firmly into the cornmeal mixture.
- Shake off any loose coating.
🔥 Step 6: Fry
Carefully place the coated fillets into the hot oil.
- Fry 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Cook until golden brown and crispy.
- The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if needed.
🧻 Step 7: Drain
Transfer the fried catfish to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve immediately while hot.
The Best Side Dishes
If you could only choose one, hush puppies are the classic Southern pairing. But the ultimate plate is:
✅ Hush puppies
✅ Creamy coleslaw
✅ Crispy fries
✅ Baked beans
✅ Tartar sauce
✅ Lemon wedges
You really can’t go wrong with all of them!
