⏱️ Prep Time
- 15–20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time
- 10–12 minutes
⏲️ Total Time
- About 30 minutes
🧾 Ingredients
For the Catfish:
- 4–6 catfish fillets
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
👩🍳 Directions
- Prepare the fish
- Rinse catfish fillets and pat dry with paper towels.
- Soak in buttermilk
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Soak catfish for at least 10–15 minutes (this helps tenderize and remove any “fishy” taste).
- Mix coating
- In a separate bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Coat the fish
- Remove fillets from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.
- Heat oil
- Heat about 1–2 inches of oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the catfish
- Carefully place fillets in hot oil.
- Fry for 4–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve
- Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
🔥 Tips for That Southern Flavor
- Use cornmeal-heavy coating for that classic crunch.
- Fry in a cast iron skillet for best texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches for even crispiness.
- Serve with hot sauce, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of lemon.