Southern Fried Catfish

4.5
(177)

This fried catfish recipe is a classic Southern dish traditionally served with buttermilk hush puppies and buttermilk coleslaw.

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A platter of southern-fried catfish, served with lemon wedges
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
2
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 2 servings

  • ½ cup buttermilk

  • ½ cup water

  • salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 pound catfish fillets, cut in strips

  • 1 ½ cups fine cornmeal

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™

  • 1 quart vegetable oil for deep frying

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Ingredients to make southern-fried catfish

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour mixture into a flat pan large enough to hold fillets.

    A bowl of buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Arrange fillets in a single layer in the pan, turning to coat each side. Set aside to marinate.

    A glass baking dish with catfish fillets in seasoned buttermilk mixture

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Combine cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning in a 2-gallon resealable plastic bag.

    A bowl with flour, cornmeal, and seafood seasoning

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Add fillets to the bag, a few at a time, and tumble gently until evenly coated.

    A large zip lock bag of seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture, with dredged catfish fillets

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Fry fillets in hot oil until crisp and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, so fillets have room to brown properly.

    A large pot with dredged catfish fillets frying in oil

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Drain on paper towels.

    A paper towel-lined baking sheet with three southern-fried catfish fillets

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  8. Serve and enjoy!

    A platter of southern-fried catfish, served with lemon wedges

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Editor's Note

The nutritional analysis for this recipe reflects an estimated 10% of the oil for frying as well as the full amount of the coating and breading. Therefore, the values represented may not be accurate.

243 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

1427 Calories
79g Fat
132g Carbs
46g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 2
Calories 1427
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 79g 101%
Saturated Fat 13g 66%
Cholesterol 145mg 48%
Sodium 800mg 35%
Total Carbohydrate 132g 48%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 46g 91%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 178mg 14%
Iron 9mg 49%
Potassium 905mg 19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.