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Best Easy Fried Catfish Recipe

Name: Best Easy Fried Catfish Recipe
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 170 g
Ingredients: catfish fillets 2 lbs; buttermilk 1 cup; cornmeal 1 cup; all-purpose flour 0.5 cup; vegetable oil 2 cups; kosher salt 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp; paprika 1 tsp; garlic powder 0.5 tsp; cayenne pepper 0.25 tsp

Southern fried catfish with a crispy cornmeal crust is a high protein tradition served with hush puppies and coleslaw. This family classic delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 330 kcal

#high protein #southern #crispy #comfort food

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

catfish fillets 2 lbs
buttermilk 1 cup
cornmeal 1 cup
all-purpose flour 0.5 cup
vegetable oil 2 cups

Seasonings/Sauce

kosher salt 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp
paprika 1 tsp
garlic powder 0.5 tsp
cayenne pepper 0.25 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 17 g 20%

Protein 28 g 34%

Fat 14 g 46%

Serving size 170g

Cooking steps

1

Rinse and pat dry the catfish fillets; season lightly with kosher salt on both sides.
2

Pour buttermilk into a shallow dish and soak the catfish fillets for at least 30 minutes, turning halfway.
3

In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, remaining salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
4

Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet to 350°F (medium-high); use a thermometer for precise control.
5

Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing firmly to coat; gently shake off excess and carefully lay into hot oil.
6

Fry the catfish without crowding the pan, 4–5 minutes per side, turning only once, until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp.
7

Transfer fillets to a wire rack or paper towels to drain. Let rest 2 minutes before serving for best texture.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Fried Catfish recipe?

The cornerstone of this recipe is fresh catfish fillets, which provide tender, flaky texture when fried. The crispy cornmeal crust—created by a blend of cornmeal and flour with classic southern seasonings—defines both the flavor and crunch.

Q. Which seasonings make the biggest flavor impact in this dish?

Paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper give these fried catfish fillets their signature southern kick. Together with kosher salt and black pepper, these seasonings create a flavorful, balanced crust with a hint of heat.

Q. How do I achieve a perfectly crispy crust without overcooking the catfish?

Maintaining the oil at 350°F and avoiding overcrowding are crucial. Fry the fillets for 4–5 minutes per side, turning only once. This ensures thorough cooking and a crisp, golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Q. What is the calorie and protein content per serving of this Fried Catfish?

Each 170g serving delivers approximately 330 kcal and 28g of protein, offering a high-protein, satisfying meal. The protein represents about 34% of total calories, making it filling and nutritious.

Q. How do I prevent the crust from falling off during frying?

Press the dredged fillets firmly into the cornmeal mixture to ensure good adhesion, and avoid moving them in the oil too much. Frying at the right temperature and turning only once keeps the crust intact and extra crispy.

Best Easy Fried Catfish Recipe

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