Crispy Southern Fried Catfish
Crispy Southern Fried Catfish is easy to make and is of restaurant quality. Tender fillets lightly breaded and fried till golden. If you're looking for a great fried fish recipe, this is the one.
Servings 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4-6 (6 oz.) catfish fillets
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- 2 cups cornmeal
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- oil for frying vegetable oil or peanut oil
Instructions
- Place fillets in a shallow dish and cover with buttermilk. Place into the refrigerator and soak while you prepare the cornmeal mixture and the oil for frying.
- Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, paprika, pepper, lemon pepper and cayenne in a zip-top bag and shake to mix the seasonings.
- Heat about 1" of oil in a cast iron or heavy skillet. Heat to 350 degrees over medium-high heat.
- Remove the catfish from the refrigerator. Then, remove each piece ( 1 at a time) from the buttermilk allowing the milk to drip off.
- Place one piece at a time into the bag with the seasoned flour. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Carefully place 2-3 pieces at a time into the hot oil. Work in batches so as not to crowd the pan. (This will lower the heat and make the fish soggy). Fry fish for about 4-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through the middle. This time will depend on the thickness and size of your fish.
- Drain. Place the wire rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels or place the fish on a paper towel-lined plate.
Notes
TIP: Once you place your fish into the hot oil, leave it alone. Moving it around will cause the batter to fall off.