Golden Fried Catfish

A classic Southern favorite, Golden Fried Catfish has stood the test of time. Easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty, this dish is an excellent option for those in search of a speedy meal. Its golden crust and juicy, succulent catfish make it a perfect choice for gatherings of any size, whether it’s with family, friends, or coworkers.

 

Ingredients For Golden Fried Catfish:

Catfish Fillets: To whip up this delicious meal, you’ll require catfish fillets that are fresh, of superior quality, and devoid of any scales, bones, or skin.

Cornmeal:  To achieve the perfect golden crust on Southern-style fried catfish, cornmeal is a must-have ingredient. It provides the necessary texture and crispness that complements the tender, flaky fish.

All-Purpose Flour: The crispy outer layer of catfish is created by combining cornmeal and all-purpose flour in equal proportions.

Salt: The usage of salt on catfish not only seasons it, but also elevates its taste to a whole new level.

Black Pepper:  To augment the gustatory experience of catfish, chefs rely on the fiery and zesty qualities of black pepper, which not only intensifies its heat but also enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile.

Paprika: For a boost of both pigmentation and flavor, paprika is a customary seasoning utilized in Southern cooking to enhance the taste of catfish.

Garlic Powder: Catfish can be seasoned with garlic powder for a gentle garlic essence. It is an extra ingredient that you may choose to exclude if you wish.

Cayenne Pepper: The addition of cayenne pepper in a dish elevates the flavor with its bold heat. The quantity can be adjusted to match the desired level of spice.

Buttermilk: Before frying, catfish is steeped in buttermilk to break down its texture and imbue it with a delicious taste.

Vegetable Oil: For the purpose of frying catfish, vegetable oil is required. Prior to adding the fish, it is important to heat the oil to the ideal temperature.

How to Make Golden Fried Catfish:

In a bowl, mix together cornmeal, salt, flour, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to create the ideal coating for the catfish.

Get another dish and pour the buttermilk into it.

Soak the catfish fillets in the buttermilk, and then cover them with the cornmeal mix.

Keep repeating this technique until all of the catfish fillets have been coated.

Preheat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F using medium-high heat.

Delicately place the catfish fillets into the heated oil, cooking them for approximately 4-5 minutes on both sides until they turn a crispy, golden hue.

Extract the catfish fillets from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Serve promptly and relish!

My Best Tips for Louisiana fried catfish recipe:

• For optimal results, make sure to heat the oil to the recommended temperature before cooking the catfish. Failing to do so will leave you with a disappointingly oily dish.
• To achieve even cooking of each fillet, it is recommended to not overcrowd the skillet or deep fryer. Cook the catfish in batches if necessary to achieve desired results.
• For the best results, serve your freshly fried catfish right away. Delaying will cause the crispy coating to lose its crunch and become soft and soggy.

The step-by-step instructions Golden Fried Catfish pictures can be found in the recipe card below.

Questions and answers about the Golden Fried Catfish recipe

Deep Fried Catfish Variations:

Diversify your piscine palette by using different species of fish, such as tilapia or cod.

Elevate the taste of your coating mixture by infusing it with a range of spices and seasonings, like Old Bay seasoning or cajun spice.

Add some diversity to your culinary creations by using an assortment of coatings, such as panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, to bring some variety to your meals.

What Do You Serve Louisiana Fried Catfish Recipe?

The versatility of Golden Fried Catfish makes it an exceptional dish that can be served in various manners. Here are some serving ideas to help you relish this delectable cuisine:

Enjoy your catfish with a delicious accompaniment of coleslaw, hush puppies, or crispy fries on the side.

Indulge in the savory goodness of your catfish dish by complementing it with a choice of delicious sides including coleslaw, hush puppies, or crispy fries.

Place the catfish between bread slices or tortillas and dress it up with toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce, either in a sandwich or taco style.

Can You Freeze Simple Fried Catfish Recipe?

You can freeze our recipe without any issues; Once the fish has cooled off completely, put it in an airtight container or freezer bag. The catfish will last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, put the catfish in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until it’s heated up throughout.

Can You Store Golden Fried Catfish?

Storing deep fried catfish in the refrigerator is possible for three days. Seal it in an airtight container and warm it in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until it is reheated.

How Long to Fry Catfish at 350?

For a perfectly cooked catfish fillet, frying at 350°F for approximately 4-5 minutes is recommended, though this may differ based on the thickness of the fish.

How Healthy is Fried Catfish?

The richness of fried catfish might not make it the healthiest choice, but indulging in it in moderation as part of a balanced meal is fine. To ensure a healthy twist, swapping out the frying method for baking and incorporating olive oil can significantly reduce the dish’s fat content.

Should You Soak Catfish in Milk Before Frying?

A popular approach to frying catfish is soaking it in milk beforehand, as per many Southern chefs. The milk’s acidity assists in the fish’s tenderization and removes any fishy aftertaste. Nonetheless, if you want to make delicious Golden Fried Catfish, soaking the fish is not required. Before covering the fish in cornmeal, remember to remove any excess milk if you opt to soak your catfish.

Calories in the Golden Fried Catfish Recipe:

A typical serving of fried catfish contains around 300-400 calories.

By using less coating or opting to bake the catfish, you can make this beloved dish a bit healthier.

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