Fried Catfish
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs catfish fillets
- 1½ cups yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Tartar sauce, for serving
Method:
- Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the catfish and let it marinate for 20–30 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Remove each fillet from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat generously in the seasoned cornmeal mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks.
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot, around 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the catfish into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- Transfer the fried catfish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, coleslaw, and hush puppies. 🐟🍋✨