Restaurant-Quality Fried Catfish - SmartyPantsKitchen This is important and key to this recipe. Your email address will not be published. Like to know if this would work for flounder/cod ?. Serve with garlic bread and enjoy! Have fried catfish like this for years. I didnt in this recipe for Southern fried catfish, but you can soak your catfish in milk or buttermilk for an hour before frying. . Dont overcrowd the skillet! Emily Boyette is a highly qualified editor within the food media industry with eight-plus years of experience. "And it really is surprisingly simple! Thanks, Renee! I was just 'winging it' before! Awesome! Use a high-heat oil: either canola, vegetable, walnut, grapeseed or peanut. Remember to not overcrowd the oil. Other recipes have been too spicy and salty for my taste. Perfect instructions! Its important to note, though this crispy catfish tends to get a little soggy as it sits in the refrigerator. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet. Pour mixture into a flat pan large enough to hold fillets. You can add the catfish to soak or leave to dip individual pieces. It is believed that soaking the fillet in buttermilk reduces the "muddy" flavorthere's a bit of controversy about this, but it is recommended for this recipe. Nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy and flavorful on the inside. This is a simple dish, but there are a few keys to good fried catfish: Hot oil, and the right breading. The first time was for Mother's Day. Place in a shallow dish for dredging. Keep an eye on the oil. Let it sit for a few minutes and you have buttermilk! Wow! Pay close attention to the temperature of the oil, especially between batches. This was so easy to make at home, thanks for all the tips! If you are cooking your fish in batches and you want to keep it warm while you finish the rest of the fillets, do not cover the cooked fish with foil or wrap it up. Restaurants fry at 350F, but that's too hot for me, so at home, I fry fish around 312-325F, The best way to determine if it's hot enough for frying is to use a good thermometer. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining fish pieces and coating. Allow the fish to come to room temperature on the counter while the oven heats. A clean and delicious-tasting fish, this recipe is simple and so easy to make. This is where you can get creative if you like. Sprinkle fish with 1/4 teaspoon salt; dredge in cornmeal mixture, coating evenly. . Then, set up your breading station: Dish #1: Whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning in a shallow dish. Did the same with chicken but with seasoned flour., Hey Lynda! Sometimes simple is best, right? Dish #3: Whisk together flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each fillet into the cornmeal mixture on both sides to coat. Catch the fish at your favorite lake, and we bet it will taste even sweeter. Learn how your comment data is processed. Required fields are marked *. "Don't be fooled by other General Tsao impostors: this is simply the best Chinese chicken you will ever have," says creator ChefDaddy. "Although I've been using allrecipes for over 10 years, I've never found a recipe that I've enjoyed so much that I would join just to rate it, until now," says community member Tastebuddy. When frying, your oil should be hot enough to sear the outside of what you are cooking but not so hot that it burns before it gets done inside. Catfish isnt available everywhere in our state. Cornbread looks very tasty, & its so versatile because you can make either muffins or a cake with it. Transfer the fried catfish to a baking sheet lined with a wire rack and place in a warm oven (225 degrees F) while frying the remaining catfish pieces. Do you have any names, contact info, or suggestions? Out of 5 people, there are no leftovers.". Home Recipes Dinner Fish & Seafood Fried Catfish. Assemble the pico de gallo ahead of time for a super speedy dinner. Mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Cover and chill 8 hours, turning once. Place fish in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on each side (about 5-7 minutes per side). While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption. See full disclosure for details. The simple process of dredging the fish in seasoned cornmeal and pan-frying in shallow butter and oil yields crispy fillets with great flavor and they cook quickly! It's ultra-creamy, comforting, and tastes just like risotto made on the stovetop. Place catfish in brine, cover, and . Catfish is a popular source of protein thats low in fat and low in calories. Southern-Style Oven-Fried Catfish - Allrecipes More States I Have Visited in my American Eats Series. You put flour or cornmeal on fish before frying it because it gives the fish that crispy coating. I wish I had a good catfish hookup to share with you, but alas, I just purchase whatever catfish is available in the grocery store. Just don't forget to deep-fry twice! No, definitely not. Combine cornmeal, flour, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large resealable ziplock bag. Oven Fried Catfish - Bake It With Love document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Step 2. 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay. The coating stayed on well when cooking, which was a plus. Southern Fried Catfish Recipe Weve caught little sunfish in the pond across the street from us, but Ive honestly never cooked them. So yeah, dont miss that catfish batter! Fry for 4-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the middle. But you want to fry the fish in a 400-degree air fryer for about 8 minutes on each side. It turns out crispy and flavorful everytime! Use a metal spatula and gently turn the fish over and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes. Step. Southern Fried Catfish Recipe : Taste of Southern This family recipe for chicken pot pie is creamy, cozy, and comforting! Just how popular is this top-rated lasagna? It's a distinct take on comfort food, but it's still familiar enough to prepare on a Sunday evening. If your fried catfish is mushy, place the fillets in the oven or air fryer to crisp up. "I double the rice and spices because my kids cannot get enough of it. Ensure its at the correct temperature and dont overcrowd the oil with the fillets, as this lowers the temperature. I dont think Ive seen catfish in the grocery stores where I live. raves home cook Ken. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of oil and place the fish directly on it. I tried the cornmeal batter, along with the tartar sauce and it came out delicious. Don't overcrowd the skillet; fry, in batches, two fillets at a time. Light on the ingredients but packed with savory flavor, this easy pizza gets a nice salinity and creaminess thanks to the addition of feta cheese. Your email address will not be published. Serve your catfish with whatever you want, but traditionally you'd want cole slaw and hush puppies, which, if you've never heard of them, are a fried cornmeal dumpling. How to Make Fried Catfish, a Down-Home Southern Specialty But if you have leftovers, they can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Mix the cornmeal, flour and spices together. If it sizzles, it's hot enough. This fried catfish recipe uses simple pantry ingredients for the most part and is better than any boxed seafood fry mix, which often seem heavy on the garlic powder and light on other seasonings. Especially when it comes to fried catfish! Theres saltwater catfish as well. We (my fishing-age kids and I) were wondering what recipes you would recommend for other white fish like Sunfish- I love trout almandine, but not sure how that would work with sunfish.. Would you happen to have any suggestions? Carefully add catfish pieces to the hot oil, working in batches so as not to crowd the pan. This Cajun seafood pasta recipe is a hot one, but delicious! Catfish Fillets - 1 pounds of catfish. This chicken thigh recipe proves that less is more seriously, it only requires three ingredients, and you definitely already have them in your kitchen. Store the cooked (and cooled) fish fillets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Most importantly, cool the deep-fried catfish on a wire rack to make sure theyre nice and crispy when its time to serve. Why do you soak catfish in milk before frying? My family loves this! One of the most classic Southern main dishes, you can keep things simple and serve the fried fish with a lemon wedge, vinegar, and some tartar sauce. The instructions were easy to follow making it easy to be successful. Now you have buttermilk! There are saltwater catfish as well. Copyright 2018-2022 SmartyPantsKitchen.com, Chinese Coconut Fried Shrimp with Dipping Sauce, Texas Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy, Shrimp Saganaki (Baked Greek Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta), How to Cook and Season Southern Purple Hull Peas, Catfish frying tips and how to keep the batter from falling off. Stir in beer until smooth. I use thin sliced flank across the grain for extra tender meat. ALL CONTENT PROTECTED UNDER THE DIGITAL MILLENNIUM COPYRIGHT ACT. No flour! By using this site and these recipes you agree that you do so at your own risk, that you are completely responsible for any liability associated with the use of any recipes obtained from this site, and that you fully and completely release Mary Foreman and Deep South Dish LLC and all parties associated with either entity, from any liability whatsoever from your use of this site and these recipes. Simple and easy grilled shrimp! Thank you! Fry fish in batches until golden brown, 2-3 minutes on each side. Combine cornmeal, seasoned salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. If the catfish you buy is thicker, it will take longer to cook, Just lower the temperature slightly. Fry the catfish fillets in batches, usually one or two fillets at a time. Southern Catfish is an quick and easy dinner! This epic chicken Parmesan is one for the books! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. A combination of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, spices, and ketchup guarantees outstanding flavor, even if you're not an experienced griller. She is an American-Iranian hybrid and large dog enthusiast, and is very loosely working on a memoir. It's garnered more than 19,000 ratings and 20,000 reviews! It looks great. If youre not a seafood person, I guarantee youre still going to want to try this Southern fried catfish recipe. Using a cast-iron, or heavy bottom skillet, pour oil into skillet and heat to medium; While oil is heating, take a fillet directly from the buttermilk and place it in the cornmeal; pat the cornmeal on the fillet; coat it all over, twice; repeat with remaining fillets, Check your skillet; the oil needs to be around 312 - 350F; you can sprinkle a few pieces of cornmeal in the oil to see if it sizzles; if it does sizzle, the oil is ready, Cooking in batches of two fillets, place them in the hot oil; DO NOT MOVE THE FILLETS until they've cooked for 2 - 3 minutes on one side, After 2 -3 minutes, use tongs and flip the fish over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, Use a thermometer to measure internal temperature; it should be 145F, Remove fillets from oil and place on a paper towel, Repeat until all fillets are cooked and drained, Plate fillets and serve with lemon and tartar sauce, In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; refrigerate until ready to serve, Use a heavy-duty skillet (cast-iron) or Dutch oven, The amount of oil depends upon the size of your skillet; you want about 2" inches of oil. Another good way to determine if it's is hot enough (or too hot) is to sprinkle a little cornmeal in it. Skip the restaurants, and make your own fried catfish at home. Fry fish, in batches, 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Thanks for the tip about not trying to fry the fish when it's cold! Thank you for sharing this catfish recipe! Cant beat tried and true recipe like this one. Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Directions. Didnt have ant cornmeal so I used oatmeal ,still delicious, loved it???????? 4 to 6 catfish fillets, about 1 to 2 pounds, 3/4 cup fine cornmeal (do not use coarsely ground cornmeal), Oil for frying (use peanut oil if you can). I will be using this recipe for the catfish from now on. Coleslaw always goes well, as does Smothered Okra and Tomatoes, Maple Baked Beans, Pinto Beans and Rice and a heapin' bowl of Southern collard greens! Note, this catfish batter recipe contains no egg and no flour - just cornmeal and seasonings! I recommend reheating them in the air fryer at 370 degrees F for 5-7 minutes to crisp up the outside and heat them through. I made this for my hubby who has some Alabama roots and he raved about it, and this non-fish girl LOVED IT! The choice is yours! No need to look any further. Simple is best, and this Southern fried catfish is no exception. Inspired by Martha's Tea Room in Ocean Springs, MS, this is a grown-up, southern tea room style chicken salad, made with chicken, red An old fashioned, simple, chunky potato soup like Grandma made, with russet potatoes, onion and celery, butter, evaporated milk, a little fl A quick and easy skillet meal made with ground beef, fresh tomatoes, rice and summer squash and finished with shredded cheese. We like to serve our catfish with coleslaw, baked beans, and homemade hush puppies (if we can spare the time). NONE have even come close to this one! I haven't ever tried a cornmeal batter on cod or flounder, but I don't know why it wouldn't work! Todays a good day to make your recipe! Step 3. Wonderfully crisp! Why do you put flour on fish before frying? Preheat the oven to 350F. This, to my mind, is a healthy debate. Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. Fill a deep fryer, or large deep skillet half full with oil and heat to 375 degrees. Therefore, the values represented may not be accurate. For the perfect fried catfish dinner, serve the fish with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping, plus any of these easy sides: The fried fish isbest served warm, directly from the fryer. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, about 5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Perfect! Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included. You can also freeze leftovers for up to three months in an airtight container or plastic bag. Great recipe! You dont have to burn the exterior in order to finish the inside, and you dont have to transfer the skillet to the oven to finish baking. We've done the work for you by rounding up the dinner recipes that have earned thousands of 5-star reviews from our Allrecipes community of home cooks. It tastes even better (and tender) when you add the traditional crunchy cornmeal crust and a squeeze of lemon. Step 1. You'll have to chop a few veggies to make the pico de gallo, but it's absolutely worth the bright flavor it brings to the chicken. Who knew frying catfish could be so easy and delicious? Thank you! Combine cornmeal and next 6 ingredients in a shallow dish. Scott Hibb's amazing whiskey grilled baby back ribs are a treat that any barbecue lover will enjoy. You know that the fish is done when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Simple and inexpensive to prepare, this Southern fried catfish recipe is a quick and easy main course you can combine with your favorite side. I will make this recipe for dinner tomorrow. But it can also be grilled, baked, or pan-fried. I grew up near Charlottesville, so your post seemed quite relatable! Add a zesty twist of ranch and bacon to your enchiladas for a perfect weeknight dinner! Hopefully I will get a response soon, if not, I'm double Dippin! The Parmesan and seasonings add some zing to delicate tilapia. For cod, I usually use a pub-style batter! I'm glad you enjoyed your homemade catfish! With a handful of staple ingredients, a sheet pan, and 25 minutes, you can easily put together an incredible fish dinner. This was my first time making catfish, & the family really enjoyed this. Fried Catfish (Easy-to-Follow Recipe) - Thriving Home I have filets in the freezer Id forgotten about. I did some homework about where to get my fish. Followed your instructions to a T. Nothing better than this recipe. Prep a big batch of the chicken ahead of time and you'll have some effortless dinners in your future. My husband was so happy when I served it recently. "With a flair of peanut oil, a streak of sesame, a dash of orange, and a sweet spot for hot, this is sure to be a favorite. You might check in the frozen seafood section at your store I find it there, too. Fried Catfish Recipe | Food Network Hank has authored five cookbooks, the latest in 2021. A staple in every Southern kitchen, beyond this recipe, I honestly have never even given seafood a fighting chance, as my mother was not a seafood person. Yes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You are free to print and sharing via Facebook share links and pinning with Pinterest are appreciated, welcomed and encouraged, but do not upload and repost photographs, or copy and paste post text or recipe text for republishing on Facebook, other websites, blogs, forums or other internet sites without explicit prior written approval. They always end up tough and hard to cut," says community member Kim Toth Smiley. Turn the fillets once until golden brown on both sides (about 3 to 5 minutes on each side). . Ill be asking the person behind the counter a few questions. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. For best results, let the chicken sit a few minutes before re-flouring.