Golden Fried Catfish A Southern Classic with a Crispy, Flavorful Twist

Golden Fried Catfish: A Southern Classic with a Crispy, Flavorful Twist

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Golden Fried Catfish is a beloved Southern dish that boasts a crisp, golden-brown exterior and tender, flaky interior. This recipe uses a flavorful blend of cornmeal, flour, and spices to create a crunchy coating that perfectly complements the delicate catfish fillets. Whether served with hush puppies, coleslaw, or fries, this classic dish brings soul food comfort to your table.

Ingredients:

  • 4 catfish fillets
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk as a substitute)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Coating:
    • In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
  2. Prepare the Wet Mix:
    • In a separate shallow dish, whisk the egg and buttermilk together until smooth.
  3. Coat the Catfish:
    • Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
    • Dip each fillet first into the wet egg-buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then dredge it in the cornmeal-flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the fish.
  4. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small bit of the coating mixture into the oil—it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
  5. Fry the Catfish:
    • Carefully place the coated catfish fillets into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for about 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The fish should be opaque and flaky inside once done.
  6. Drain and Serve:
    • Remove the fried catfish from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
    • Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sides, like fries, coleslaw, or hush puppies.

Enjoy your delicious Golden Fried Catfish, a perfect blend of crispy, seasoned coating and tender, flaky fish!

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