Southern Fried Catfish

This fried catfish recipe is a classic Southern dish traditionally served with buttermilk hush puppies and buttermilk coleslaw.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup water
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pound catfish fillets, cut in strips
• 1 ½ cups fine cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
• 1 quart vegetable oil for deep frying

Steps

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour mixture into a flat pan large enough to hold fillets.
3. Arrange fillets in a single layer in the pan, turning to coat each side. Set aside to marinate.
4. Combine cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning in a 2-gallon resealable plastic bag.
5. Add fillets to the bag, a few at a time, and tumble gently until evenly coated.
6. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Fry fillets in hot oil until crisp and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, so fillets have room to brown properly.
7. Drain on paper towels.
8. Serve and enjoy!