Southern Fried Catfish (Classic)

🍽️ Southern Fried Catfish (Classic)

Ingredients

Fish

• 2 lbs catfish fillets

• Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)

Soak (important)

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Optional: a few dashes hot sauce

Cornmeal Coating

• 1½ cups yellow cornmeal

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp cayenne (optional)

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

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How to Make It

1. Soak the catfish

   • Mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.

   • Add catfish and soak 30–60 minutes (cuts any fishy taste).

2. Heat the oil

   • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or cast iron pan.

3. Dredge

   • Mix all cornmeal coating ingredients.

   • Remove fish from buttermilk, let excess drip off.

   • Coat well in cornmeal mix.

4. Fry

   • Fry 2–3 fillets at a time.

   • Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

5. Drain & rest

   • Drain on paper towels or a rack.

   • Sprinkle lightly with salt while hot.

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Southern Secrets 🤫

• Cornmeal is non-negotiable — that crunch is everything

• Don’t overcrowd the pan

• Cast iron = best flavor

• Serve HOT

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What to Serve With It

• Hushpuppies

• Coleslaw

• Fried okra

• White bread & hot sauce

• Lemon wedges

If you want, I can share:

• 🔥 Extra-crispy fish fry batter

• 🧈 Pan-fried (shallow fry) version

• 🌶️ Spicy Cajun-style

• 🍋 Oven or air-fryer catfish

Just say the word 😄