Southern Fried Catfish

Fried catfish is a quintessential Southern dish known for its crispy exterior and flavorful, tender inside. If you want to treat yourself to this delicious comfort food, here’s a classic recipe that brings together a perfect blend of seasonings and crunchy cornmeal. This meal is straightforward to make and offers a taste of the South that’s sure to satisfy. Let’s get cooking!

Recipe: Southern Fried Catfish

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh catfish filets
• 1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 tsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Accent (a seasoning blend)
• 2 tsp Creole seasoning or seasoned salt
• ½ tsp lemon pepper
• ½ tsp dry crab boil (optional)
• Canola oil for frying

Directions:

1. Prepare the Seasoned Cornmeal Mix:
   In a shallow dish, combine the yellow cornmeal, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, Accent, Creole seasoning or seasoned salt, lemon pepper, and dry crab boil (if using). Mix everything well.
2. Heat the Oil:
   Fill a deep fryer or cast iron skillet with canola oil and heat to about 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures a crispy coating without burning.
3. Dredge the Catfish:
   One by one, dredge each catfish filet in the seasoned cornmeal mixture. Coat both sides evenly and shake off the excess.
4. Fry to Perfection:
   Carefully place each catfish filet in the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side or a total of 3-5 minutes if using a deep fryer. Cook until the crust is crispy and golden brown.
5. Drain and Serve:
   Once done, transfer the catfish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil. Serve the filets with your favorite sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, or fries.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Kcal per serving: 350 kcal
• Servings: 4 servings

Enjoy Your Southern Meal!

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or cooking for yourself, Southern Fried Catfish is a delicious way to satisfy your cravings for crunchy, flavorful seafood. With a well-seasoned cornmeal coating, this classic will bring the authentic flavors of the South straight to your plate. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces and sides to make it an unforgettable meal!