Crusty Catfish Delight

Dive into the irresistible flavors of Crusty Catfish Delight, a Southern-inspired dish that combines the perfect crunch with tender, flaky fish. This recipe features catfish fillets marinated in tangy buttermilk and a hint of spicy hot sauce, then coated in a well-seasoned cornmeal crust infused with paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a bold kick. Fried to golden perfection, these fillets boast a satisfyingly crispy exterior that pairs beautifully with fresh lemon wedges and classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this easy fish fry recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Indulge in the ultimate catfish experience that's sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces catfish fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 piece (optional for serving) lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

Place the catfish fillets in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce, then pour the mixture over the catfish fillets. Cover and let the fillets marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for stronger flavor).

Step 2

While the catfish is marinating, prepare the crust mixture. In a shallow bowl or plate, combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 3

After the marinating time, remove the catfish from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure the seasoning adheres well.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) – hot enough to sizzle a drop of water but not smoke.

Step 5

Carefully add the coated catfish fillets to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each fillet for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish is cooked through.

Step 6

Using a slotted spatula, remove the fried fillets from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 7

Serve the Crusty Catfish Delight warm, garnished with fresh lemon wedges if desired. Pair with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or a zesty tartar sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1377.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5135.4

Total Fat 446.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 68.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 269.3g
Cholesterol 306.8mg	0%
Sodium 2955.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 221.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.9g	0%
Total Sugars 13.7g
Protein 103.1g	0%

Vitamin D 126.9IU	0%
Calcium 352.5mg	0%
Iron 10.4mg	0%
Potassium 1986.0mg	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: 75.6%

Protein: 7.8%

Carbs: 16.6%