Mama's Fried Catfish
Crispy, golden, and full of down-home flavor, Mama's Fried Catfish is a Southern classic that's sure to become a family favorite. Tender catfish fillets are marinated in a zesty buttermilk and hot sauce mixture before being coated in a perfectly seasoned cornmeal and flour blend spiced with paprika, garlic powder, and a kick of cayenne pepper. Fried to perfection in hot oil, each fillet emerges irresistibly crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. With just 15 minutes of prep time and the quick fry method, this dish is both simple and deeply satisfying. Serve it piping hot alongside coleslaw, cornbread, or potato wedges for a comforting meal that brings the soul of the South straight to your table. Perfectly crispy fried catfish has never been this easy—or this delicious!
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces catfish fillets
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable oil
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2
In a shallow dish, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the catfish fillets in the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
Step 3
In a large bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4
Remove the catfish fillets from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating on all sides.
Step 5
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test the oil temperature with a kitchen thermometer or by dropping a small pinch of the cornmeal mixture into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
Step 6
Carefully add the coated catfish fillets to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each fillet for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip the fillets gently.
Step 7
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried catfish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 8
Serve the fried catfish hot with your choice of sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or potato wedges, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2151.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 9101.2 |
| Total Fat 873.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 133.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 538.6g | |
| Cholesterol 333.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3815.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 281.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 20.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 25.7g | |
| Protein 117.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 253.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 652.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2422.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories