Crispy, golden, and packed with Southern charm, this Pan-Fried Catfish recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your dinner table. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated in a flavorful blend of cornmeal, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder, each fillet boasts a perfectly crispy crust while remaining tender and flaky inside. Quick and easy to make, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect choice for weeknight meals or casual gatherings. Serve with freshly squeezed lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish, and pair it with creamy coleslaw or fluffy cornbread for a true Southern feast. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly crunchy, this pan-fried catfish is comfort food at its finest.
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Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish. Place the catfish in the buttermilk, turning to coat both sides, and let sit for 10 minutes.
In another shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the catfish coating.
Remove each catfish fillet from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge in the cornmeal mixture. Press lightly to ensure an even coating, then place the fillet on a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining fillets.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking, around 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the coated catfish fillets in the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, and enjoy!
Serving size | (1092.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2466.7 |
Total Fat 133.4g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 24.0g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.7g | |
Cholesterol 306.8mg | 0% |
Sodium 4017.7mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 227.3g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 20.3g | 0% |
Total Sugars 16.7g | |
Protein 103.9g | 0% |
Vitamin D 126.9IU | 0% |
Calcium 379.8mg | 0% |
Iron 10.7mg | 0% |
Potassium 2151.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories