Quick Pan Fried Catfish
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly flavorful, Quick Pan Fried Catfish is the perfect recipe for a fast yet satisfying dinner. Coated in a perfectly seasoned blend of cornmeal and flour, each fillet delivers a delightful crunch with every bite. The subtle smokiness of paprika and the aromatic kick of garlic powder elevate the dish, while pan-frying in a hot skillet creates a beautifully crisp crust without the need for deep frying. Ready in just 25 minutes, this Southern-inspired dish is ideal for busy weeknights or casual family meals. Serve it hot with fresh lemon wedges to brighten the flavors, and pair it with your favorite sides, like coleslaw or cornbread, for a comforting, home-cooked feast. Perfect for catfish lovers craving a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces catfish fillets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 1 whole lemon wedges
Instructions
Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Pour the milk into a shallow dish and set it aside.
In another shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the seasoning dredge.
Dip each catfish fillet into the milk, ensuring it is completely coated, and then dredge it in the seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Shake off any excess and place the fillet on a clean plate. Repeat for all fillets.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test the oil by dropping in a small pinch of the coating mixture—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Carefully place two catfish fillets into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining fillets.
Serve the pan-fried catfish immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2666 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 130.7 g | 168% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.4 g | 112% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 302 mg | 101% | |
| Sodium | 1495 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 274.4 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.9 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.3 g | ||
| Protein | 109.7 g | 219% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 407 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 2192 mg | 47% | |
*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.
