Southern Fried Catfish
Southern Fried Catfish
Sizzlefish Support
Rated 4.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Catfish Recipes
Cuisine
American
Servings
2
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
7 minutes
Calories
320
The Quintessential Southern Classic
Our Southern Fried Catfish is a nostalgic tribute to one of the South’s most beloved culinary traditions. Experience this golden-crusted dish that not only feels like home, but has defined Southern comfort food for generations.
Flavor Unleashed: What to Expect
The magic begins with that signature crunch – a golden cornmeal crust seasoned with just the right blend of spices. Inside, grain-fed catfish delivers a sweet, mild flavor with a flaky, moist texture that perfectly complements the crispy coating. The traditional buttermilk soak ensures a clean, pure taste while keeping the fish tender. Paired with tangy tartar sauce, it’s a symphony of flavors in every bite!
Trace the Origins: Our Catfish
Our commitment goes beyond flavors. Sourced from the waters of North Carolina, our catfish stands as a testament to sustainable farming. Farmed and nurtured with care, these grain-fed beauties are a culinary emblem of the South.
More than Taste: Dive into the Health Pool
Southern fried catfish provides much nutritional value underneath its golden goodness. Each serving provides protein-rich, low-calorie bites with many hidden benefits. Catfish naturally is rich in omega-3s, which strengthen muscles and support heart health, and contains vitamins like B12 and D. This recipe not only delights your taste buds but also fuels your health journey.
Queries Unveiled: FAQs
Q: What makes Southern Fried Catfish different?
A: It's the blend of tradition, ingredients, and love!
Q: Why do people soak catfish in buttermilk?
A: Soaking catfish in buttermilk helps to remove the fishy smell and flavor from the fillets. Since catfish are bottom-feeders, meaning they swim at the bottom of a lake floor, soaking fillets in buttermilk reduces their “muddy” flavor.
Q: Do I need to use buttermilk?
A: Not necessarily. You can also use regular milk mixed with distilled white vinegar to substitute.
Q: Can I use another type of fish for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! But using our catfish ensures the authentic Southern experience.
Q: How do I keep the coating from falling off?
A: The cornmeal coating adheres better to the fish, as it absorbs the moisture from the buttermilk that was soaked into the fillet. This makes the coating less likely to fall off. Also, try handling the coated fillets only when needed, once they’ve been added to the oil, making sure to turn them only once halfway through cooking.
Q: How many pieces should I fry at once?
A: It’s best to fry 2-3 pieces at a time to ensure the pieces aren’t overcrowded. If there are too many pieces in the pan, the temperature of the oil will drop significantly.
Q: Why is my fried catfish coming out mushy?
A: If your fried catfish aren’t coming out crispy, it’s most likely because the oil isn’t hot enough. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before adding the pieces in.
Q: What's the best side dish?
A: Coleslaw or fries are classic choices, but feel free to get creative!
Ingredients
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2 filets Sizzlefish Catfish, thawed, sliced into 1” thick strips
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1 ½ cups Frying Oil
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2 cups Yellow Cornmeal
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½ cup Flour
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1 tbsp. Seafood Seasoning
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1 cup Buttermilk
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1 tsp. EACH: Salt & Black Pepper
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Tartar Sauce, for serving
Directions
Preheat the frying oil to 350F. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, and black pepper. Mix to combine. Add the catfish strips. Set aside to marinate at least 10 minutes.
In a resealable bag, combine the cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning. Seal the bag tightly and toss to mix.
Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer to catfish strips to the cornmeal bag. Seal tightly and shake once more, until the catfish strips are well coated.
Fry the fish for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
Place on a paper towel lined plate to drain any excess oils.
Serve warm with tartar sauce. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 1 Serving
- per serving
- Calories
- 320
- Carbs
- 37 grams
- 47%
- Fat
- 8 grams
- 23%
- Protein
- 24 grams
- 30%