Your email address will not be published. I'm not apprehensive about frying fish anymore. My only problem is that it said it was 222 calories and when I plugged it into My Fitness Pal it came up as 541.pushed my daily calorie intake right over the edge . Fried Fish. and it cooks up beautifully! We dont have access to much fish at all around here, but catfish is definitely a staple. If the darker color bother you, start over with new oil for each batch. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Youll want the oil to heat to around 375F, the best frying temperature for fish. Fried catfish is a real Southern favorite. Thank you for featuring this recipe this week. But you can soak farm-raised catfish just the samethe process helps the cornmeal adhere to the fish either way. Tender catfish fillets, lightly breaded in a Southern seasoned cornmeal mix and fried to perfection! That means that I can prepare a seafood feast for my family in about 20 minutes from start to finish! Now you have buttermilk! (Lard is even better just sayin'.). IE 11 is not supported. Hubby says Its better than our go-to catfish spot. We would eat the piping hot fish on slices of white bread with hot pepper sauce and mustard. We had a stinky old leather glove for de-hooking, it was the skinning part I hated. Allow the fish to come to room temperature on the counter while the oven heats. Thank you! This was my first time making catfish, & the family really enjoyed this. Buttermilk and hot sauce. This frying method works with pretty much any thin fish fillet: If you can't find catfish, use tilapia, bass, flounder, walleye, perch, rockfish, croaker or black seabass. Dont forget the hot sauce! I always cook my hush puppies in the same oil used to fry our catfish once all the fish has been fried. Farmed catfish is a sustainable, clean, and safe seafood option (source). Thank you so much for your kind words about the fried catfish! Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined baking pan. Take a tour and check out delicious recipes! Oven-Fried Catfish Recipe The second with the eggs, beaten and the last, the panko and parsley. There's something about a cornmeal crust that really sings with catfish. Great recipe! Hope it works. Catfish is a popular source of protein thats low in fat and low in calories. Ready to give our recipe a try? Any vegetable oil is good for frying catfish. Another good way to determine if it's is hot enough (or too hot) is to sprinkle a little cornmeal in it. FLIP the filet over and repeat the process of salt and pepper on the other side as well. Place the catfish fillets into the hot oil. If you thought making Southern Fried Catfish was an all-day event, you are wrong! Once done, place fillets on a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to drain. Be Blessed!!! We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Yes, you can easily make a buttermilk substitute that will work for this recipe by adding 1 Tablespoon vinegar to a 1 cup measuring cup, then filling it the rest of the way with milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes to curdle before using. Enjoy! I fished some with my Dad and my family when I was a kid. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet. Mama and Daddy worked in the cotton mills in Gastonia and they did not have a lot of money to eat out. Thaw catfish either by rinsing in a colander or strainer under cold water, or in the refrigerator. Fried catfish is a Southern staple everyone should get behind. Stay safe. POUR oil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches into a deep cast-iron skillet; heat to 350 degrees;. There's nothing fancy or gourmet about my recipes-just easy, simple, delicious and memorable! A stale spice can easily ruin a dish. That just means its lightly battered and lightly fried. Every year, my family would all meet up with all our relatives in Charleston, Mississippi, to celebrate my Big Mama's birthday. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining fish pieces and coating. 12 Popular Catfish Recipes for Busy Weeknights - IzzyCooking Thanks, Renee! We made this into a sandwich with coleslaw on top. Freezing is not recommended. He held it up and it was almost as big as he was. Required fields are marked *. Stop by to see us again real soon. The snapper does have a mild taste, similar to the catfish, so from that standpoint it would be fine. Mix well. Have a great week and thanks for all you do to inspire good cooking. The oil will need to heat up to about 350F degrees for frying. I love fried fish. To reheat leftovers, skip the microwave; it can dry out the fish. Ill be looking forward to seeing you add your name to our list. Im so glad that you enjoyed it, and I appreciate you coming back here to let me know. Now, add 2 cups of cornmeal, 2 cups of all . This fried catfish recipe uses simple pantry ingredients for the most part and is better than any boxed seafood fry mix, which often seem heavy on the garlic powder and light on other seasonings. Thank you for sharing! No matter how you classify catfish, we hope you enjoy the recipe! Feel free to wipe out the pan and use additional butter/oil, as necessary, for subsequent batches. You can add the catfish to soak or leave to dip individual pieces. Serve with coleslaw, hush puppies, french fries, and lemon wedges or other sides. And, should you ever decide that you are no longer interested, its even quicker to unsubscribe. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. The fish camp was a gourmet dinner for us or catfish caught in a lake or river that Mama cooked at home. Works well with most fish. Shop our Taste of Southern Christmas Collection, Grilled Vidalia Steaks with Sweet Italian Sausage. A golden and super-crispy exterior, with a delicate, tender, and flaky inside. Our top secret for the most flavorful catfish fillets? It's always good with "the hubs" likes it:). I like white cornmeal, while my mother uses white self-rising flour and just puts in a little less salt (self-rising already has salt in it). You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see. Share your memories of this dish with us. If you're looking for something a little heartier, make a fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish Po' Boy! Vegetable oil and butter: for frying the fish. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a lemon wedge, if desired. COMBINE first 5 ingredients in a large shallow dish. Only fry two fillets at a time. The most important thing to do is not overcrowd the fillets. Thank you for sharing this catfish recipe! Hopefully I will get a response soon, if not, I'm double Dippin! When not at her desk, you'll find her whipping up something with finds from the farmers market, discovering new restaurants, or hiking and roadtripping with her husband and pup Pucci. Use cornmeal in your dredge. The easy dinner recipe only requires a handful of pantry staples, and its ready in about 20 minutes. I was skeptical about using only cornmeal and no eggs for the coating, but by golly, the buttermilk coating kept the cornmeal on the fish during the frying process! We called them horned pout and still do up here. Then, set up your breading station: Dish #1: Whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning in a shallow dish. My husband and i had it last night and are still talking about it! Once oil is hot, begin frying fish in batches until they are golden brown. Why do you soak catfish in milk before frying? Transfer milk-soaked fish to the cornmeal mixture and gently roll to coat on both sides. Preheat the oven to 200 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a rack in the pan. Place the seasoned fish in the bowl of seasoned cornmeal mixture; roll to totally coat the fish with cornmeal. Fry fish, in batches, 5 to 6 minutes or until golden; drain on paper towels. SHOP DUTCH OVENS Southern Potato Salad Will Dickey Place the cornmeal in a medium bowl, add salt and pepper, and stir. I'm kicking off Mississippi Week in my American Eats series with this favorite fish dish from across the South but one that is always a hit in the Magnolia State! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Buttermilk and hot sauce. Yes! The best and most common cooking method for catfish is deep-frying. Followed your instructions to a T. Nothing better than this recipe. Leftover fried catfish can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days, and up to three months in the freezer. 1. 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. Arrange fillets in a single layer in the pan, turning to coat each side. I use 1 tablespoon fresh lemon per 1 cup of milk. Directions Mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Didnt have ant cornmeal so I used oatmeal ,still delicious, loved it???????? M. Perfect! Your email address will not be published. This is a simple dish, but there are a few keys to good fried catfish: Hot oil, and the right breading. Place on wire rack to drain. Restaurant-Quality Fried Catfish - SmartyPantsKitchen Arguments rage over whether it's best deep-fried, battered, breaded with cornmeal, or even just simply dredged in flour. Most importantly, cool the deep-fried catfish on a wire rack to make sure theyre nice and crispy when its time to serve. Something other than breaded or fried? A traditional fried catfish dinner might come with hush puppies, creamy coleslaw and french fries. I dont like to use paper towels, but you can if you have them. That classic crunch pairs perfectly with lemon slices and your favorite tartar sauce. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. So yeah, dont miss that catfish batter! Now my meal is seasoned just fine for me. Thank you! Simply add the cornmeal coating and fry the catfish fillets until golden brown. Turn the oven to 200 to keep the catfish warm while you fry in batches. Southern Fried Catfish Recipe - Add a Pinch I love the lightly battered taste. Store the cooked (and cooled) fish fillets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Grease a 13x9 glass baking dish with the oil, and set aside. Flip fish so each side is cooked evenly. When the fillets are all done, serve at once with your favorite hot sauce, cole slaw, and some hush puppies. I hope you can get your hands on some catfish thats one of my favorite meals. Your email address will not be published. I dont have any other cooking suggestions besides the classic pan-fried version. Yes, there are saltwater catfish, and seafood is often used to refer to any edible aquatic creature. Then place in a shallow pan. Learn how your comment data is processed. That works just fine for me, and that's where the one's I'm preparing today were sourced from. I love your idea of putting it on a hoagie roll and making a yummy sandwich. Fish Catfish Oven-Fried Catfish 4.3 (332) 246 Reviews 11 Photos This recipe is a great alternative to pan-fried catfish. If you are having issues with the cornmeal crust not sticking through the frying process, try a trick I use for my fried chicken - once breaded, cover the filets with a damp paper towel and let them sit for 10 minutes before frying until they are a little tacky on the outside. Hope its not too warm in Florida right now. Catfish, a freshwater fish prized for its mildly sweet flavor and white, flaky texture, is one of the best for a good old-fashioned fish fry. These handpicked weeknight ideas will be on the table between 10 and 45 minutes. Transfer the fried catfish to a baking sheet lined with a wire rack and place in a warm oven (225 degrees F) while frying the remaining catfish pieces. This is seafood at its best, yall! You can use whichever cornmeal you prefer in this fried catfish recipe. This simple fried catfish recipe without buttermilk is exactly that simple. When we moved to Oklahoma I couldnt believe people actually ate catfish! Delicious! Have a wonderful week! Combine cornmeal, seasoned salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Good eating. Add cooking oil to about one inch depth in a cast iron skillet. Once thawed, dip the fillets in buttermilk and dredge in cornmeal mixture, then fry as directed. Shake off the excess and gently lay into the hot oil. It is now my favorite fish and this is my favorite receipe. Used your recipe tonight for fried catfish! Place fish in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on each side (about 5-7 minutes per side). This is a quick overview of the simple ingredients that youll need for a batch of fried catfish. If you have leftovers, transform this recipe for fried catfish into fried catfish tacos or sandwiches. Tried this recipe for my pot luck. Just leave it alone and let it fry for about 3-4 minutes on this one side, until the bottom of the fish turns lightly brown. Easy to make with simple ingredients. How to catch catfish and how to make fried catfish filets Wow! to Ask a Question. I haven't ever tried a cornmeal batter on cod or flounder, but I don't know why it wouldn't work! Thanks Blair! The outcome is always amazing. The catfish had me drooling, lol. Place in a shallow dish for dredging. Big cast-iron pots full of bubbling hot lard would be filled with catfish, brim, perch, buffalo and french fries. Dish #2: Whisk together eggs, a little water, salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned filets in a shallow dish or resealable bag and cover with the buttermilk, turning to coat. Would you mind telling me what kind of skillet that is in the pics, the one with hammered finish. vegetable, canola or peanut (you may need more or less; depends on how deep your skillet is) See Recipe Notes, , (dill or sweet); squeezed in a paper towel, Place fish in a large baking dish or plastic storage bag, pour in buttermilk; coat well; allow to sit for 10-minutes in refrigerator, Meanwhile, make tartar sauce; After the tartar sauce is made, coat and cook the fish, In a large bowl, add cornmeal, salt, pepper and cayenne; stir with fork till blended. We always placed cooked fish in a large pan that had a wire rack in it so the fish would stay crispy during the restaurant days. Used to catch em at Jeckyll Island down off the coast of Georgia. For acidity, I subbed in white wine vinegar for lemons. 6.1K Likes, 62 Comments. Once the oil reaches 350F, sprinkle the catfish fillets with salt and dredge them into the breading. You might check in the frozen seafood section at your store I find it there, too. And now is a good time to start heating up the oil. Wont mention the name, but they had a fire a few years ago and has rebuilt. Just like with fried chicken, you're going to want to marinate the catfish in buttermilk before dredging and frying. Thanks for the recipe, I will be sure to try it out with my kids this spring. Southern recipes are always a hit with my Southern man so Im going to have to try this! Directions. Easy Southern Fried Catfish Recipe - Delicious Recipes Catfish can sting you if you handle them incorrectly. Todays a good day to make your recipe! A combination of cornmeal and a variety of spices gives this recipe a savory kick in less than 30 minutes. Thanks, Jonathan! Here are more detailed instructions for air-fried catfish. Frying fish isn't hard, but requires a little practice and expertise. As an associate editor at Taste of Home, Lesley helps track food and cooking trends, and writes and updates digital content. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Hot sauce is a great idea, too! Keeping the fried catfish warm in the oven will help keep it crispy. Thanks for the tip about not trying to fry the fish when it's cold! Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the fish in batches. Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Thank you for the fish recipe. Step. Compliments to the chef!!! 5. In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Not only is catfish easily accessible, but its also affordable and quick-cooking. No flour! Girl, I can tell youre from the SOUTH! Next, combine 1 tbsp ground black pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 2 tbsp creole seasoning. This fried catfish recipe calls for yellow cornmeal, our secret to a crispy, satisfying crust. With one-dish meals like Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables, Ham and Lima Bean Fried Rice, Cast-Iron Pork Cacciatore, and Honey-Soy Glazed Salmon, even cleanup is a breeze with these fast weeknight dinners. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Take care, and have a great week ahead! PLEASE do not copy recipes and post on your site or use my photos without permission (see above legal notice). Thank you for even posting a picture of fried catfish one of my all time favorites! Yes, catfish do have an orderly set of bones. Place the filet in flour and fully coat both sides. Or use a deep fry thermometer to measure the temperature of the oil. If your fried catfish fillets turn mushy, its usually because your oil isnt hot enough. Thank you. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. EASY Southern Fried Catfish Nuggets Recipe - Be Greedy Eats Fried Catfish (Easy-to-Follow Recipe) - Thriving Home There are saltwater catfish as well. No non-stick spray, no parchment paper or silicone mat. Bring remaining oil back to the proper temperature by using a deep-fat thermometer before frying the next batch. Here are tips to help your catfish turn out superb! If they dont have it, (maybe its a seasonal thing in some areas?) Using a cast-iron, or heavy bottom skillet, pour oil into skillet and heat to medium; While oil is heating, take a fillet directly from the buttermilk and place it in the cornmeal; pat the cornmeal on the fillet; coat it all over, twice; repeat with remaining fillets, Check your skillet; the oil needs to be around 312 - 350F; you can sprinkle a few pieces of cornmeal in the oil to see if it sizzles; if it does sizzle, the oil is ready, Cooking in batches of two fillets, place them in the hot oil; DO NOT MOVE THE FILLETS until they've cooked for 2 - 3 minutes on one side, After 2 -3 minutes, use tongs and flip the fish over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, Use a thermometer to measure internal temperature; it should be 145F, Remove fillets from oil and place on a paper towel, Repeat until all fillets are cooked and drained, Plate fillets and serve with lemon and tartar sauce, In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; refrigerate until ready to serve, Use a heavy-duty skillet (cast-iron) or Dutch oven, The amount of oil depends upon the size of your skillet; you want about 2" inches of oil. How cool is that? You can also make a spicy aioli to go with the catfish. Turn the filet over and brown the second side. I am now managing the website and will be providing updates. Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil will work best in this recipe. Yes, but only when you pair it with a smattering of Southern side dishes, like coleslaw or hush puppies. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. To ensure crispy fish in every batch, make sure the oil reaches the proper frying temperature again if it dips. I love it! Thankfully, Ive never had that to happen. Whatever cranks your tractor. The classic sides for fried catfish for a fish camp menu are coleslaw, hush puppies, and french fries. Shake off any excess flour before placing the fish in the skillet.