Southern Cornmeal Crusted Catfish with Crunchy Corn Relish

Crispy, savory, and packed with vibrant flavor, Southern Cornmeal Crusted Catfish with Crunchy Corn Relish is a standout dish that brings the essence of Southern cuisine to your table. This recipe features tender catfish fillets marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce, then coated in a perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust for a satisfying crunch. Paired with a fresh and zesty corn relish made with sweet corn kernels, crisp bell peppers, and a splash of vinegar, this dish balances hearty indulgence with bright, summery flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend gathering, this Southern-inspired meal is easy to prepare in just 40 minutes and serves four. Whether you're a fan of traditional catfish recipes or looking for a new way to enjoy seafood, this dish delivers an irresistible combination of texture, spice, and freshness.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 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
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels
• 0.5 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

In a shallow dish, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the catfish fillets and let them marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 2

In another dish, mix together cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Remove the catfish from the buttermilk and dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the catfish fillets.

Step 5

Cook the catfish for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.

Step 6

For the corn relish, heat a small skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the fresh corn kernels for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Transfer the corn to a bowl and combine with red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, white vinegar, sugar, and parsley. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Taste the corn relish and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 9

To serve, place each catfish fillet on a plate and top with a generous spoonful of the crunchy corn relish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1690.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2876.7

Total Fat 138.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.7g
Cholesterol 306.8mg	0%
Sodium 3268.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 314.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.7g	0%
Total Sugars 50.1g
Protein 118.5g	0%

Vitamin D 126.9IU	0%
Calcium 404.4mg	0%
Iron 13.7mg	0%
Potassium 3533.6mg	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: 41.8%

Protein: 15.9%

Carbs: 42.3%