Spicy and Crispy Catfish Fillets

Get ready to elevate your seafood game with these Spicy and Crispy Catfish Fillets—a flavor-packed recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings! Each fillet is marinated in tangy buttermilk and a kick of hot sauce, then coated in a perfectly seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture infused with paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder for extra boldness. Fried to golden perfection in hot oil, these catfish fillets boast a satisfyingly crunchy exterior while remaining tender and moist inside. Serve them fresh and hot with a squeeze of lemon for a zesty finish that enhances every bite. Whether you're a fan of Southern-inspired cuisine or just love a spicy twist on comfort food, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour. Perfect for fish fry nights or pairing with your favorite sides!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Catfish fillets
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Hot sauce
• 1 cup Cornmeal
• 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups Vegetable oil
• 4 pieces Lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

1. In a shallow dish, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Stir well to incorporate the hot sauce evenly.

Step 2

2. Submerge the catfish fillets into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.

Step 3

3. In another shallow dish, mix together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

4. Remove the catfish fillets from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.

Step 5

5. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even and thorough coating.

Step 6

6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small amount of the cornmeal mixture into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.

Step 7

7. Carefully place the coated catfish fillets into the hot oil. Fry in batches, avoiding overcrowding the skillet, for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 8

8. Transfer the fried fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

9. Serve the catfish fillets hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1367.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4924.7

Total Fat 446.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 68.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 269.3g
Cholesterol 306.8mg	0%
Sodium 3554.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 177.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.9g	0%
Total Sugars 14.2g
Protein 97.1g	0%

Vitamin D 126.9IU	0%
Calcium 348.0mg	0%
Iron 7.7mg	0%
Potassium 1952.9mg	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: 78.5%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 13.9%