Description
Southern kitchens sing with delightful Crispy Fried Catfish, a golden treasure that brings comfort and zest to dinner tables. Louisiana’s classic comfort dish delivers crunchy textures and bold flavors you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (240 ml) cornmeal
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredient:
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Immerse catfish fillets in buttermilk for 30 minutes, allowing the liquid to penetrate and tenderize the meat, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Create a seasoned coating by blending cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish, ensuring comprehensive spice distribution.
- Extract fillets from buttermilk, letting excess liquid cascade off, then thoroughly dredge each piece in the spiced coating, pressing gently to secure an even, robust layer.
- Preheat oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal crispiness and even cooking.
- Gently lower coated fillets into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding, and fry for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until exterior turns a rich golden-brown and interior reaches 145°F.
- Transfer fried catfish to a wire rack lined with paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining the crisp exterior’s integrity.
- Plate immediately while piping hot, accompanied by traditional condiments like tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or remoulade for enhanced flavor profile.
Notes
- Soak the catfish in buttermilk at room temperature to enhance tenderness and create a richer flavor profile.
- Choose fresh, high-quality catfish fillets with minimal skin and bones for the best texture and eating experience.
- Pat the fish completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering during frying.
- Adjust seasoning in the cornmeal mixture by adding cayenne pepper for extra heat or dried herbs like thyme for more complexity.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern Cuisine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg