Crispy Catfish
Dive into the irresistible crunch of this Southern-inspired Crispy Catfish recipe! Perfectly seasoned with a bold blend of paprika, garlic, and cayenne, tender catfish fillets are soaked in tangy buttermilk spiked with hot sauce before being dredged in a golden cornmeal coating. Pan-fried to a delightful crisp in a cast-iron skillet, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish and pair with your favorite dipping sauce or classic Southern sides, like coleslaw or cornbread. Whether you're a seafood lover or new to cooking fish, this quick and flavorful dish will be a hit at your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 fillets catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 lemon lemon wedges
Instructions
In a shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce.
Place the catfish fillets in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them soak for 10 minutes while you prepare your breading.
In another shallow dish, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat to approximately 350°F (175°C).
Remove one catfish fillet at a time from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge it thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture. Press the coating onto the fish to ensure an even crust.
Carefully place the breaded fillets into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each fillet for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked catfish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve the crispy catfish hot with lemon wedges on the side and your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4986 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 444.8 g | 570% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.5 g | 342% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 269.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 307 mg | 102% | |
| Sodium | 3554 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 191.5 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.3 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.0 g | ||
| Protein | 100.1 g | 200% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 384 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 9.2 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 2050 mg | 44% | |
*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.
