Crispy Catfish

Dive into the irresistible crunch of this Southern-inspired Crispy Catfish recipe! Perfectly seasoned with a bold blend of paprika, garlic, and cayenne, tender catfish fillets are soaked in tangy buttermilk spiked with hot sauce before being dredged in a golden cornmeal coating. Pan-fried to a delightful crisp in a cast-iron skillet, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish and pair with your favorite dipping sauce or classic Southern sides, like coleslaw or cornbread. Whether you're a seafood lover or new to cooking fish, this quick and flavorful dish will be a hit at your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 fillets catfish fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 lemon lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

In a shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce.

Step 2

Place the catfish fillets in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them soak for 10 minutes while you prepare your breading.

Step 3

In another shallow dish, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat to approximately 350°F (175°C).

Step 5

Remove one catfish fillet at a time from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge it thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture. Press the coating onto the fish to ensure an even crust.

Step 6

Carefully place the breaded fillets into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each fillet for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked catfish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 8

Serve the crispy catfish hot with lemon wedges on the side and your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1481.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4986.3

Total Fat 444.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 68.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 269.3g
Cholesterol 306.8mg	0%
Sodium 3553.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 191.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.3g	0%
Total Sugars 16.0g
Protein 100.1g	0%

Vitamin D 126.9IU	0%
Calcium 384.4mg	0%
Iron 9.2mg	0%
Potassium 2050.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 77.4%

Protein: 7.7%

Carbs: 14.8%