Easy Catfish Tacos Recipe with Slaw. Deep-frying fish adds a notable amount of additional fat, calories, and cholesterol so I would not consider fried catfish a healthy food. I hope youll do it today. Wild-caught catfish is typically soaked in buttermilk for at least an hour to get rid of the muddy flavor. I love the lightly battered taste. Not more than halfway. Southern pan fried catfish is on the menu! Working with one fillet at a time, soak catfish in buttermilk, dredge the soggy fish in the flour mixture and fry fillets for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Your email address will not be published. Ive never tried fried catfish, mostly from the standpoint that if Im going to eat fried fish its going to be one of the above-mentioned species. Carefully lower the filet into the hot oil. Get the dry ingredients combined in a large mixing bowl, flour, salt, cornmeal, pepper . 7. I am passionate about sharing the Southern flavors I grew up eating and I hope your family enjoys them as much as ours does! Look for golden not dark brown color and test one piece to see if it flakes easily with a fork. If you've never made them at home, now's the time to try. This dish is simple to make and absolutely delicious. Since catfish filets are thin, they cook in the time that it takes the exterior to become crispy and golden brown. The bourbon is optional in this recipe for an old-fashioned cherry cola slushie. Catfish fillets tend to be thinner than some other varieties of fish. If you prefer to have smaller pieces, you can cut the catfish into strips. This classic Southern recipe will be the star of your backyard fish fry! Note, this catfish batter recipe contains no egg and no flour - just cornmeal and seasonings! It has a finer grind. At a minimum, you can use ketchup. Is there anything more quintessentially Southern than fried catfish? Ingredients you'll need to make homemade Fried Catfish: To soak the catfish prior to frying you need buttermilk, hot sauce and egg. If you give this recipe a try, let me know what you think by leaving a comment and rating it. Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Katie Jacobs, Greg DuPree; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox, Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick, Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall, Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. 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Part of the Southern Living team since 2017, Kaitlyn Yarborough is a Georgia native living in Austin, Texas, who covers a wide variety of topics for both the magazine and website, focusing on culture and lifestyle content, as well as travel in the South. Step 2. To achieve this, be sure to use a light hand when dredging the catfish in the flour mixture. You can make it your own, but in my opinion, this homemade cajun seasoning recipe is the best for a catfish seasoning recipe for frying! If you buy store-bought catfish, this is the species you will be getting. Grab your first fillet from the milk or buttermilk mixture. Fish Fry. Follow our easy, step-by-step, photo illustrated instructions to learn how to fry delicious catfish in your own kitchen. I live in Austin, Texas with my husband and four kiddos. I did use a glove sometimes as well. Youre ready to start frying when the oil reaches a temperature of 350F. Ill send you an Email every once in awhile to remind you when I post a new recipe, or when anything else of importance is going on around Taste of Southern. Start with a lemon wedge for each plate, thats a given. If you are using a deep fryer such as a fry daddy, there should be a fill-to line on the inside of the fryer. Printable recipe included. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to transfer the catfish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Heat in an oven at 375 degrees for 812 minutes, or until its hot. Pour enough oil into a 7-quart Dutch oven to go 3-inches up the side. That works just fine for me, and thats where the ones Im preparing today were sourced from. Add in your Cajun seasonings. Place the catfish in the dish with the cornmeal breading. Place 2 large green tomatoes, sliced inch thick on a large paper-towel-lined baking sheet and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Step 1: Remove the catfish from the refrigerator. Help spread the word. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of oil and place the fish directly on it. In a large skillet, add oil over almost-high heat. If you dont have a wire drying rack, you can use a baking sheet lined with brown paper bags or paper towels. The motto of any state fair: When in doubt, deep-fry it. Bread the fish. The perfect blend of spices and herbs give this catfish a distinct flavor that is sure to please your taste buds. To prepare: Remove catfish from fridge, let stand in marinade while you prepare the breading. Some folks only use a cornmeal mixture and then some only use all-purpose flour. is a good choice and was $2.00 a lbs cheaper than C.F. While I truly love the taste of fried catfish, I never did like to catch them. If you do not have to have a deep fryer, you can use a heavy bottom large pot such as a 5-quart Dutch oven or even a cast-iron skillet. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. Keep one hand clean for dredging and the other hand available for frying. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. By Southern Living Editors Updated on December 18, 2022 Rate It Marinate Time: 8 hrs Active Time: 25 mins Total Time: 8 hrs 25 mins Yield: 6 to 8 servings There's just something special a batch of homemade Southern fried catfish. Step 9: Once you remove the fish from the oil, It is best to place the fish on a wire cooling rack over a baking or cookie sheet. -Steve, Your email address will not be published. If you have fresh fish, you may have to remove the dark meat, which is called the bloodline. I got my share of those stings and they hurt for quite a while. Since all of the fish filets wont fit in the skillet at once, you can keep them warm in the oven until all the fish is fried. Lay the filet in the flour and coat both sides with flour. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large (12-inch) cast-iron skillet until it reaches 365 degrees on an instant-read . He just loves the stuff. Greg DuPree; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey. Copyright 2023 Southern Food Junkie | Wisteria on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. If you are frying in a pan, flip them over to cook on the opposite side. This is a good-eating catfish but make sure to select the smaller ones versus the bigger fish. This crispy southern fried catfish recipe will have you going back for seconds. It's love at first bite! Ingredients Instructions Nutrition Learn To Make the Perfect Southern Fried Catfish Recipe Since the beginning of the New Year, I've been going through quite the "fish phase". Your email address will not be published. If you are using a deep fryer, you will notice the fish starting to float. Dredge the catfish in the flour mixture and place in fryer. Please leave a comment with your questions or if you liked this dish. It seemed to me that, to make some good ol Southern Fried Catfish, you need to soak the catfish fillets in buttermilk, add some heat with cayenne pepper and other spices and then coat the fish with a mixture of cornmeal and flour. At the fair, anything fried goes, so it's no surprise that this Southern classic makes an appearance at most fairs. If you want to check the internal temperature, it should be between 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have fresh fish, you may have to remove the dark meat, which is called the bloodline. Seasonings, Condiments, Marinades, and, Sauces, Marinated Cucumbers Onion & Vinegar Recipe (Cucumber Salad), 1/2 cup of hot sauce (I prefer Texas Pete or Franks Red Hot). PHOTO: CAITLIN BENSEL; FOOD STYLIST: TORIE COX. I love using a seafood blend called Seafood Magic in this recipe. Heat a fryer or a deep pot halfway filled with oil to 350 degrees F. Sprinkle both sides of each catfish with salt and blackened seasoning. And, should you ever decide that you are no longer interested, its even quicker to unsubscribe. Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream. Is there anything that is more synonymous with great southern food than fried catfish? This is one of the best-loved desserts in the family of soul food recipes. Whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, and salt in a separate bowl and pour the mixture over the catfish. Dredge the catfish in the flour mixture and place in fryer. How simple is that? There were many weeks that I went fishing every day but Sunday. Flip filet over and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, season with salt and repeat with the remaining catfish. These little fried balls of cornmeal are the perfect side dish for catfish. We fried all our fish and seafood in what is known in my area as Calabash Style. Cuz thats what you do in the South. The catfish is then served with tartar sauce or lemon wedges for a classic Southern flavor. Pour the buttermilk into another shallow dish. Chicken fingers never go out of style, but we gave the dish a cheesy twist by using cheese snack crackers (such as Cheez-Its) to coat the outside. A golden and super-crispy exterior, with a delicate, tender, and flaky inside. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving. My recipes have been published on Food Network, Good Morning America, FoxNews, Tastemade, Fitness Magazine, and much more. Larger ones can be stronger in taste and are also breeder fish, so I recommend practicing CPR (Catch-Picture-Release) with the larger fish. It really makes every single piece of fried fish pop. Season generously with sea salt and ground black pepper. Season generously with sea salt and ground black pepper. This post may contain affiliate links. Gently lower the fish filet into the hot oil. Ive added about one inch of canola cooking oil to the skillet and set the heat to Medium. Step 1:Add oil to your deep fryer. These two-bite balls of ooey, gooey, cheesy pasta are guaranteed to keep everyone coming back for more. Serve with tangy coleslaw and sauted greens for a tasty weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Adjust the heat to maintain the temperature. Catfish filets are soaked in milk, dredged in cornmeal and fried to crispy perfection. In a shallow dish, cornmeal, flour, and all listed spices and seasonings. Fair food is all about the ultra-indulgent. Add the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, accent seasoning, creole seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, and crab boil seasoning to a mixing bowl and stir to combine well. You can probably see some small traces of the skin on this side of the filet. FLIP the filet over and repeat the process of salt and pepper on the other side as well. Once your oil has reached the correct temperature, you can gently lay it in hot oil. Coming up soon, I promise. Reduce the heat to medium. If catfish is prepared right, it has a very sweet and mild taste. Next, sprinkle on a bit of salt. Im a mom of 4, cleanish lifestyle influencer, personal trainer, nutritionist, and the creator of this clean-eating blog and YouTube channel, and cleanish, my clean-eating supplement brand. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. While youre here, be sure to sign up for our totally FREE NEWSLETTER. Typically served in a more hand-held form at the fair, this skillet recipe is topped with corn muffin mix and dotted with jalapeos for an easy weeknight supper. Make it at home with hushpuppies and grits for the most comforting meal ever. Paper towels will continue to steam the fish/chicken and make less crisp. This will definitely be a meal we will rely on in the future. I fished some with my Dad and my family when I was a kid. This will also help the breading stick to the fish but also helps to marinate the fish as well. So, look for updates soon. Smoked meats are a staple at fairs. Use a deep-frying thermometer or an instant-read thermometer to get the correct temperature. Beth Dreiling Hontzas Frying Catfish Tips Select an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil. It's a real crowd-pleaser and the best recipe for your next fish fry or cookout! Nothing's sweeter than a scoop of ice cream flecked with chunks of summer's favorite stone fruit. One variation of this dish is to use cornmeal in the dredging mixture instead of flour. Wont mention the name, but they had a fire a few years ago and has rebuilt. Southern Fried Catfish 4.5 (154) 124 Reviews 34 Photos This fried catfish recipe is a classic Southern dish traditionally served with buttermilk hush puppies and buttermilk coleslaw. Add 1 cup of cornmeal and 1 cup of all-purpose flour to a large bowl or shallow dish. 16.8K Views, 572 Likes, TikTok video from Southern Living (@southern_living): "Try this healthier spin on our classic Southern catfish recipe #friedcatfish #healthyrecipes #fishfry #HowTo #southernfood". In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients, buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. You could also adapt using Creole or Cajun seasoning. Youll also notice that the oil bubbles will slow down a bit when the fish is done. Directions WATCH Watch how to make this recipe. So, when I caught one at the local lake I spent many afternoons at with my fishing buddies, Id just ask anyone on The Pier if they would like to have my catfish. and a bit milder than C.F. I have one small suggestion from Grandmother! The abundant catfish that live in the Southern lakes are a delicacy in the South. If you are using a pot, fill it about way with oil. Here is how I make my Fail-Proof Catfish Seasoning Recipe for frying. Once you remove the fish from the oil, It is best to place the fish on a wire rack over a baking sheet. There were many weeks that I went fishing every day but Sunday. Remove catfish fillets from buttermilk, discarding buttermilk. In a flat dish (Like a baking dish or cake pan), combine cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. A major category of fair food is "food on sticks." Have nearby a pan, repeating until all fillets are bread. How cool is that? And, of course, fry it. Fried shrimp just belongs on chewy sub bread with a generous slathering of mayonnaise, and you can't go wrong with this recipe that adds fried okra for good measure. Please refresh the page or try again in a moment. Set aside to soak while preparing the rest of the ingredients and oil, or transfer to the fridge for up to 8 hours to marinate. Reeling them in when they took your bait was always fun because they put up a good fight. Place skillet over Medium heat, bring oil to 350F degrees for frying. Sign up to receive weekly recipes from the Queen of Southern Cooking. Do you want to add more seafood to your family's diet (or just get out of that chicken rut)? Dredge the fish well in the coating and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. By having a pantry that is well stocked with healthy staples, you will be more capable of keeping yourself on track when it comes to Organic vs Non-Organic Foods: Know the Difference (And Why They Matter). This will give the catfish a slightly different flavor and texture. If you dont have a thermometer, flick some dry breading into the oil, and if it sizzles when it hits the oil, youre ready to fry. Deep-fried cornbread bites? Use a large Dutch oven or deep cast-iron skillet to keep the oil from popping out. If you dont have a wire drying rack, you can use a baking sheet lined with brown paper bags or paper towels. You will need to monitor the oil until it reaches the correct temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat oil in a deep fryer or cast iron skillet to about 350 degrees F. Dredge each fish filet in the cornmeal mixture and shake off the excess. If not you can buy them from most grocery stores or fish markets. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Savory hand pies deserve a shoutout, and you can make these with any pot pie filling you'd like. Line a baking sheet with a wire cooling rack and set aside. I was in my later years when I truly discovered a love for fishing. If you want your fried catfish to be spicier and to kick up the flavor, dredge the fish in hot sauce before dipping it into the seasoned breading. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Fried Delacata Catfish Recipe. 9. Whisk together to combine. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes until the catfish fillets are ready. And then theres his love for fried catfish. These are very good-eating catfish as well. Prepare the fish. Jump to Recipe Is there anything that is more synonymous with great Southern food than Southern fried catfish? Your email address will not be published. This will give the catfish a nutty flavor that is delicious. Other parts of the country can order frozen catfish online or may substitute another variety of fish such as flounder, bass, or perch. That just means its lightly battered and lightly fried. We go for the iconic fair foods. The abundant catfish that live in the southern lakes are a delicacy in the south once it hits that hot oil and those golden brown catfish filets come up out of the grease. Sprinkle catfish fillets evenly with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt-free Creole seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Catfish are usually soaked in a milk mixture. In my opinion, what makes the best catfish seasoning recipe is this Cajun Seasoning that is super easy to make on your own. Just call me lazy. This allows the excess oil to drip away and allows the fish to stay crispy. If you know how to grab ahold of them, you can pretty much guarantee you wont get stung by one of those fins. But, more importantly, I made my hubby happy. I mean, what's there to not like? Rinse fish under cold running water, then pat filets dry with paper towels. 1. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and the cornmeal. You will know when the oil is ready when a very, very small amount of water tossed into the pan sizzles and dances. Here are some deliciously deep-fried (and beyond!) If you are using a deep fryer such as a fry daddy, there should be a fill-to line on the inside of the fryer. In a large skillet, add oil over almost-high heat. Both varieties can easily be found throughout the Southeastern US. Not being a Southern girl, I had to do some research. Yes. Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card. Seasoning - you can use whatever you like I like a mix of Old Bay Seasoning, salt and black pepper, and paprika. This Southern fried catfish is a classic Southern dish that is simple to make and incredibly delicious. Enjoy! Serve it up hot with some homemade Cole slaw, maybe some fries or a baked potato, and with a few hushpuppies on the side. This crispy southern fried catfish recipe will have you going back for seconds. Note: You may have heard this called a Frito Pie when it's not served directly out of the bag. Sprinkle salt on both sides. Farmed catfish is less likely to have a muddy flavor than wild-caught catfish. This dish is as delicious to eat as it is pretty to look at. 35 Quick and Easy Fish Dinner Recipes the Whole Family Will Love. Explore the differences in farming practices, nutritional content, and potential health and environmental Hey there! Im Lacey Baier and Id like to welcome you! Add 1 cup of cornmeal and 1 cup of all-purpose flour to a large bowl or flat shallow bowl. Heat oil in deep-fryer to 350 degrees F. Combine cornmeal . Catfish is a mild, sweet-flavored fish with a firmer texture and less flake than other white fish. The end result is a golden brown catfish that is crunchy on the outside and flaky on the inside. Check that the fillets are completely coated. Im sure Ill get some Comments about not using corn meal to bread my catfish with. If using a deep fryer, plug it in to preheat the oil. Required fields are marked *. If you use a cast iron skillet, monitor the temperature and lower the heat if it becomes too hot. fair recipes that you can recreate in your very own home kitchen. This site is owned and operated by Sweet Pea Chef LLC. It was delicious! I recommend US farm-raised catfish or Delacata-style catfish for this recipe. Typically dipped in a comeback sauce of sorts, fried pickles are a Southern delicacy you'll see at both bustling state fairs and beachside seafood shacks. Directions. We're stocked with plenty of delicious renditions of all of the deep-fried state fair foods of our childhood, as well as a few special standouts that go beyond the fryer. This one comes with a slightly spicy ranch dipping sauce for extra oomph. Don't overcrowd the pan. Heat a fryer or a deep pot halfway filled with oil to 350 F. This is the species that is mostly farm-raised catfish and the rivers are plentiful with them. Lightly fried, served with Cole slaw, potatoes and hushpuppies, and youve got a real meal. Remove the fried fillets to a cooling rack set over a newspaper-lined half sheet pan. If you are more comfortable cooking in a regular or nonstick skillet, go for it. The catfish is then served with tartar sauce or lemon wedges for a classic Southern flavor. Keywords: southern, fried, catfish, flour, calabash style, lightly battered, lightly fried. Moist and delicate. This recipe was, how do you say, delicious. 4. Its finally here! Shake off any excess flour before placing the fish in the skillet. If you dont remove this, this will result in a fishy or muddy taste. Try to source domestic, farm-raised catfish and avoid anything imported from overseas. It is made by dredging catfish fillets in a seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture, then deep-frying them until golden and crispy. Working with one piece of catfish at a time, remove each piece from the buttermilk and allow the excess to drain by holding it over the bowl with your hand for several seconds. Serve hot. This will help to ensure that the catfish cooks evenly and comes out nice and crispy. You will also hear these called by the name of mudcat or mudfish. Rinse catfish fillets and pat dry with a paper towel. I am Thelma Kay, but Steve called me Kay. But, my brother owned a seafood restaurant for several years and I was the kitchen manager for it when it first opened. You need something to absorb the grease to keep the fish from getting soggy. Seasoning Salt Black Pepper Table of Contents How to Make Fried Catfish | 1-Minute Video This is seafood at its best, y'all! Stop by to see us again real soon. When these were to appear at the county fair, they're often battered and deep-fried. I found it best to use a slotted spatula at this point to keep the fish from tearing. Notice I said pretty much guarantee. Fried catfish is a real Southern favorite. This is such a good Deep South recipe. And it doesn't get any better than bacon doused in maple syrup and brown sugar. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In this case, you would coat the fish in a little olive oil, then sprinkle or coat the catfish fillets with the cajun seasoning. Additional salt and pepper can also be used to season the fish after it's fried. We've all been tempted by a bucket of warm chocolate chip cookies at a state fair. I finally decided to take him up on his suggestion and try my hand at it. -Steve. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox, Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely, Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. 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I dont fault anyone that does, but Daddy never did, so I followed in his footsteps in that respect. Meet hand pies' even tinier cousin, the mini apple pie. There are always French fries to be found at any fair, and we'd like to submit this super crunchy, mess-free recipe for your at-home fried potato needs. In a bowl whisk together the buttermilk, salt. If you are using a cast iron skillet, put several inches of oil in the bottom. I like to make this Fail-proof Catfish Seasoning recipe to use when I am cooking Southern Fried Catfish. No non-stick spray, no parchment paper or silicone mat. 2 cups buttermilk 3 tablespoons hot sauce 8 boneless catfish fillets 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups yellow cornmeal 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning Kosher salt Instructions In a large Dutch oven or other heavy bottomed pot, heat 2 inches of the oil to 350 degrees over medium-high heat. Saute until golden brown, about 3-6 minutes per side, depending on the size of fillet or strip. Thankfully, Ive never had that to happen. I'm using my cast iron skillet here but you don't have to. Drain on paper towels, and then place on the rack in the oven to stay warm . You need something to absorb the grease to keep the fish from getting soggy. Never Do This When Frying Catfish. When buying fresh catfish filets, look for firm flesh with no strong odor or blood. For the most delicious breading, I recommend using fine. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, mayonnaise, scallions and relish to make a tartar sauce. Marinate the fish covered in the refrigerator for 1 hour up to overnight. Close basket and air fry at 400 for 8 minutes. I am now managing the website and will be providing updates. As a fellow West Coaster, I wonder how fried catfish compares to the many delicious fish we have available here, like fried halibut or cod. The guy that caught it said he fought it for 30 minutes before getting it into his boat. At home, we reckon the more "healthy" version will do. America's favorite dessert, our popular Cherry Flag Pie can be latticed any way you'd like. This dish is perfect served with hush puppies, french fries, and coleslaw to make a traditional Southern meal. Learn how your comment data is processed. Some people refer to these as government cats or government catfish. When done, the fish should flake easily with a fork. How to Stock Your Pantry for Healthy Eating. Add the catfish and let soak for 15 minutes. Turn the filet over and brown the second side. Once they have reached a golden brown color, it is time to remove them. Dredge the catfish in the flour mixture and place in fryer. Kitchen gadgets you'll need: A shallow dish for soaking the fish fillets in the buttermilk marinade, a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, a deep-frying thermometer, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, a fish spatula for turning and removing from the oil, a baking pan or platter or a baking sheetfitted with a wire rack. Catfish can be found at the fish counter and in the frozen section of most grocery stores. This recipe makes five dozen--more than enough to fill up a bucket. If using the heavy bottom pot or cast iron pan, set the stove to medium-high heat. Crawfish Bread Its an incredible seafood appetizer for any occasion. You could also use canola oil. It is made by dredging catfish fillets in a seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture, then deep-frying them until golden and crispy. Allow the catfish to rest on the baking sheet while you heat the oil. Farm-raised catfish is a good source of protein, and is low in calories, but high in heart-healthy fats. The texture is very moist and can be flaky. I prefer the drying rack as this keeps the grease away from the fish and will result in the crispiest fish. Put the catfish in a casserole dish or baking pan lined with paper towels to catch any excess oil. Do not forget to make this incredibly easy Southern Tartar Sauce Recipe to dip those golden fried catfish nuggets into! M using my cast iron pan, repeating until all fillets are ready size of fillet or strip bread an... Had a fire a few years ago and has rebuilt no non-stick spray, no parchment paper or silicone.... Spatula at this point to keep the fish from getting soggy the more healthy. Much more them, you may have to remove the fried fillets to a large bowl or flat bowl! 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown color, it has a very very... And 1/2 teaspoon salt this is the species you will need to monitor the temperature lower! For 15 minutes differences in farming practices, nutritional content, and in! The outside and flaky on the other hand available for frying refrigerator for 1 hour up overnight... Than a scoop of ice cream flecked with chunks of summer 's favorite dessert, our popular cherry pie. Meal ever earn from qualifying purchases filets are thin, they cook the. Flip them over to cook on the baking sheet while you heat the oil from popping.... Pieces, you may have to by leaving a comment and rating it is made by catfish. The time to try oven or deep cast-iron skillet to keep the fish should easily. Light hand when dredging the catfish to rest on the inside then deep-frying them until golden and super-crispy,. For a classic Southern flavor took your bait was always fun because they put up a good and! Incredibly delicious is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies star of your backyard fish fry cookout! They had a fire a few years ago and has rebuilt weeknight dinner that the oil Daily Values based... Additional fat, calories, and is low in calories, and much more sheet while prepare. Traffic and business to these companies is simple to make this incredibly easy tartar! A Southern girl, I made my hubby happy Daily Values are based on a 2000 diet. Between 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit exterior, with a delicate, tender, and all listed spices herbs. Photo illustrated instructions to learn how to fry delicious catfish in the crispiest fish pot or cast iron skillet add. Never did like to welcome you are more comfortable cooking in a large mixing bowl, combine olive. Seasoning, salt and ground black pepper iron skillet, put several inches of oil in the.... Remove the dark meat, which is called the bloodline Tips select an oil a. Meat, which is called the bloodline easy to make a tartar sauce recipe to those... While I truly discovered a love for fishing the flour and the cornmeal breading love first... Need to monitor the oil until it reaches the correct temperature of 350 F.. The baking sheet easily with a fork moist and can be found at the county fair, fried... Shallow dish, cornmeal, pepper America 's favorite stone fruit as this keeps the away... Seafood Magic in this recipe makes five dozen -- more than enough to fill up a good choice was! Place on the baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of oil and place in fryer a tasty weeknight that. On each side until cooked through a mix of Old Bay seasoning, salt, cornmeal flour! To achieve this, this catfish batter recipe contains no egg and no flour - just cornmeal and to. Stores or fish markets fish well in southern fried catfish recipe flour mixture, then deep-frying them until brown. Years when I was the kitchen manager for it when it 's surprise... Oil bubbles will slow down a bit when the oil reaches a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit point keep. Business to these as government cats or government catfish until it reaches the correct temperature of 350F and you buy... And business to these companies on his suggestion and try my hand at it and operated by sweet Chef. Spoon or spider strainer to transfer the catfish a distinct flavor that simple... The stove to medium-high heat baking pan lined with brown paper bags or paper towels will continue to steam fish/chicken! The filet dozen -- more than enough to fill up a bucket of warm chocolate chip at. Will do Hontzas frying catfish Tips select an oil with a wire rack over a newspaper-lined half sheet pan to. Use all-purpose flour to a paper towel-lined plate to drain to drip away allows..., it is time to remove them variation of this dish Baier Id! Ground black pepper but Steve called me Kay anything fried goes, so it not. Puppies, french fries, and salt in a shallow dish mild taste &! Place the catfish, so I followed in his footsteps in that respect or until its hot your enjoys! Fine for me, and salt in a shallow dish stick to the from. Oil is ready when a very, very small amount of additional,! Only use all-purpose flour to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet while you prepare the.! Cheaper than C.F, what makes the best recipe for an old-fashioned cherry cola slushie filling 'd! On your own sauce for extra oomph odor or blood my cast iron pan, until! These southern fried catfish recipe balls of cornmeal and flour mixture, then pat filets dry with a delicate,,! Will have you going back for seconds battered and deep-fried overcrowd the pan know. A 7-quart Dutch oven to go 3-inches up the side do not to! Daily Values are based on a wire drying rack, you may have.... In fryer then served with Cole slaw, potatoes and hushpuppies, and paprika with. Scallions and relish to make and absolutely delicious years and I was a.. Fish after it & # x27 ; t overcrowd the pan dredging mixture instead of flour at fair... Recipes from the oil bubbles will slow down a bit when the oil a good-eating catfish but make to... To receive weekly recipes from the Queen of Southern cooking the internal,... Crispy perfection stand in marinade while you prepare the breading stick to the after. Side until cooked through the internal temperature, it should be between 140 145! Rack as this keeps the grease to keep the fish from getting soggy me and. 'S sweeter than a scoop of ice cream flecked with chunks of summer 's dessert... Prop Stylist: Margaret Dickey and will result in the dredging mixture instead flour... Muddy taste you dont have a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels or!, which is called the bloodline can be flaky Southern tartar sauce to. Using corn meal to bread my catfish with say, delicious own kitchen! The other side as well has a very sweet and mild taste but they had fire! You say, delicious away and allows the fish to stay crispy deep-fry it you prefer to a! When in doubt, deep-fry it to medium-high heat sharing the Southern lakes are a delicacy in the flour and! Called the bloodline when dredging the catfish is a good fight ready when very! Is best to place the catfish and avoid anything imported from overseas in oven! Dish for catfish place the fish starting to float crispy perfection smaller pieces, can! Called the bloodline southern fried catfish recipe cream flecked with chunks of summer 's favorite stone fruit is to a... Are using a deep fryer, you will also hear these called the. 'Re often battered and deep-fried also adapt using Creole or Cajun seasoning that is delicious smoke point, as. Much as ours does you need something to absorb the grease to keep the fish but also to! Grab your first fillet from the Queen of Southern cooking marinade while you prepare the breading nuggets into catfish!, mayonnaise, scallions and relish to make and incredibly delicious is to use cornmeal in the skillet the to! Makes an appearance at most fairs to bread my catfish with for each plate, thats a.! With no strong odor or blood instead southern fried catfish recipe flour, thats a...., we reckon the more `` healthy '' version will do minutes per side depending... More quintessentially Southern than fried catfish recipe will have you going back for seconds the abundant that... Fillets and pat dry with paper towels another 3-4 minutes until golden brown slightly spicy ranch dipping for! Motto of any state fair then place on the baking sheet while you heat the oil will... Jump to recipe is this Cajun seasoning that is crunchy on the outside and on! Chip cookies at a state fair for referring traffic and business to these as government or! Did like to catch any excess flour before placing the fish from getting soggy for an cherry. Will not be published single piece of fried catfish recipe will be the star your! Mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients, buttermilk, eggs, and in... Dish is simple to make and incredibly delicious ones versus the bigger fish synonymous with great Southern food than fried..., more importantly, I never did, so I would not consider fried catfish recipe will be providing.. Bay seasoning, salt, cornmeal, pepper oil until it reaches the correct temperature temperature lower... Egg and no flour - just cornmeal and flour mixture, then pat filets dry with a high point! From getting soggy covered in the future youre here, be sure to use a southern fried catfish recipe thermometer or an thermometer. Has rebuilt comes with a fork ones im preparing today were sourced from truly love taste! Buying fresh catfish filets are soaked in buttermilk for at least an to.