Golden Fried Catfish: Crispy Perfection with Southern Charm
This Golden Fried Catfish recipe delivers crispy, perfectly seasoned fillets with a classic Southern flavor. Marinated in a savory mixture and coated in cornmeal, these fillets are fried to golden perfection, ideal for any comfort food craving.
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound catfish fillets sliced
- 1 cup fine cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning such as Old Bay
- 1 liter vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together milk, water, salt, and black pepper. Pour the marinade into a shallow dish and lay the catfish fillets in a single layer. Turn to coat both sides and let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- In a large resealable bag or mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning. Remove the fillets from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Add 1-2 fillets at a time to the bag and shake to coat evenly. Repeat for all fillets.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan, ensuring enough to fully submerge the fillets. Heat to 365°F (185°C), using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Carefully add 2-3 fillets to the hot oil at a time, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Arrange fried catfish on a platter and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve hot with tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Pair with coleslaw, hush puppies, or cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
Notes
For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper to the cornmeal mixture. Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingsCalories: 432kcalCarbohydrates: 37.3gProtein: 30.5gFat: 21.8gSaturated Fat: 3.6gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 425mgFiber: 2.8gSugar: 1.5g
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