Description
Southern cooks master golden fried catfish with crispy cornmeal coating and perfect seasoning. Served hot from the skillet, this classic dish delivers Southern comfort with remarkable flavor and satisfying crunch you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ liter (17 fl oz) vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 lb (454 g) catfish fillets (sliced)
- 1 cup (240 ml) fine cornmeal
- ½ cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 fl oz (120 ml) milk
- 4 fl oz (120 ml) water
- 1 tsp (5 ml) seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Marinate: Blend milk, water, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Submerge catfish fillets, ensuring complete coverage, and let them soak for 10-15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Coat: Combine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and seafood seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Remove fillets from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece by gently pressing the seasoned mixture to create an even, golden crust.
- Prepare Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet to 365°F (185°C), using a kitchen thermometer for precise temperature control to achieve perfect crispiness.
- Fry: Carefully lower 2-3 coated fillets into the hot oil, maintaining sufficient space between them. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior, turning once to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Serve: Extract the fried catfish using a slotted spoon, transferring them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Arrange on a serving platter, garnish with fresh lemon wedges, and serve immediately with tartar sauce, coleslaw, hush puppies, or cornbread.
Notes
- Marinate with Care: Soak catfish in milk mixture for 10-15 minutes to tenderize meat and reduce fishy taste, creating a more delicate flavor profile.
- Coating Technique: Press seasoned cornmeal mixture firmly onto fillets to create a thick, even crust that guarantees maximum crunchiness and flavor adherence.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain consistent 365°F oil temperature for perfect golden-brown exterior without absorbing excess grease or becoming soggy.
- Drain Smartly: Let fried fish rest on paper towels to remove oil excess, preserving crispy texture and preventing greasy final dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg