Crusty Catfish Delight
Dive into the irresistible flavors of Crusty Catfish Delight, a Southern-inspired dish that combines the perfect crunch with tender, flaky fish. This recipe features catfish fillets marinated in tangy buttermilk and a hint of spicy hot sauce, then coated in a well-seasoned cornmeal crust infused with paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a bold kick. Fried to golden perfection, these fillets boast a satisfyingly crispy exterior that pairs beautifully with fresh lemon wedges and classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this easy fish fry recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Indulge in the ultimate catfish experience that's sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 piece (optional for serving) lemon wedges
Instructions
Place the catfish fillets in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce, then pour the mixture over the catfish fillets. Cover and let the fillets marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for stronger flavor).
While the catfish is marinating, prepare the crust mixture. In a shallow bowl or plate, combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
After the marinating time, remove the catfish from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) – hot enough to sizzle a drop of water but not smoke.
Carefully add the coated catfish fillets to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each fillet for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish is cooked through.
Using a slotted spatula, remove the fried fillets from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve the Crusty Catfish Delight warm, garnished with fresh lemon wedges if desired. Pair with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or a zesty tartar sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1288 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 110.3 g | 141% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.0 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 634 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.6 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 26.5 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.8 mcg | 29% | |
| Calcium | 96 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 565 mg | 12% | |
*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.
