Dolly Partons Pan Fried Catfish

Bring a taste of Southern comfort to your table with Dolly Parton’s Pan-Fried Catfish, a crispy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe begins with tender catfish fillets marinated in a zesty blend of buttermilk and hot sauce for a subtle kick. Each fillet is then coated in a perfectly seasoned cornmeal mixture featuring paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder, creating an irresistibly crunchy crust. Pan-fried to golden perfection in just minutes, these fillets are served with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a delightful tang. Pair this Southern classic with coleslaw, cornbread, or hush puppies for a meal that’s as hearty as it is unforgettable! Explore this quick, 35-minute recipe to treat your family to a dish bursting with flavor and tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces catfish fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 4 pieces lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a shallow dish, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the catfish fillets in the mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Step 3

In a separate shallow dish, combine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create an even breading mixture.

Step 4

Remove each fillet from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off, and dredge it in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides evenly.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but does not smoke. You can test by dropping a small pinch of the breading into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.

Step 6

Carefully place the breaded fillets into the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 7

Fry the catfish for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 8

Remove the cooked fillets from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Pair the catfish with your favorite Southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or hush puppies for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1076.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2455.1

Total Fat 133.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.7g
Cholesterol 306.8mg	0%
Sodium 3195.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 223.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g	0%
Total Sugars 14.3g
Protein 103.3g	0%

Vitamin D 126.9IU	0%
Calcium 356.2mg	0%
Iron 10.5mg	0%
Potassium 2017.2mg	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: 47.9%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 35.7%