Cajun Fried Catfish
Crispy, golden, and bursting with bold flavors, Cajun Fried Catfish is the ultimate Southern comfort food. This recipe features tender catfish fillets marinated in tangy buttermilk and a splash of hot sauce, then coated in a perfectly seasoned blend of cornmeal, flour, and aromatic spices like paprika and garlic powder to deliver that signature crunchy texture. The rich Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the light, flaky fish. Each fillet is fried to perfection in hot oil until irresistibly crisp, making it ideal for dinner parties or a weekend treat. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty finish and classic accompaniments like coleslaw or hush puppies for a meal that’s as authentic as it is delicious. Perfect for seafood lovers and fans of bold Cajun cuisine alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces catfish fillets
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 4 pieces lemon wedges
Instructions
Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Place the catfish fillets in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and let the fillets marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
Remove the catfish fillets from the buttermilk, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Dredge each fillet in the seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on both sides.
Carefully place the coated catfish fillets into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each fillet for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and the fish is cooked through.
Using a slotted spatula, transfer the fried catfish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve the Cajun Fried Catfish immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fillets. Optionally, pair with your favorite sides such as coleslaw or hush puppies for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2293 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 217.2 g | 278% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.2 g | 166% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 134.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 73 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 999 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 75.1 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 30.3 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 179 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 735 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
