Flavorful Catfish Fillets

Dive into the crispy, golden perfection of these Flavorful Catfish Fillets—a Southern-inspired dish brimming with bold spices and a delicate crunch! Marinated in tangy buttermilk and a touch of heat from hot sauce, the catfish fillets are infused with flavor before being coated in a seasoned cornmeal blend featuring hints of paprika, garlic, and cayenne. The result is a beautifully crisp crust that locks in tender, flaky fish. Pan-fried to a satisfying crunch and served with fresh lemon wedges, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Pair it with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh green salad to elevate this crave-worthy catfish to a full Southern feast!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces (6-8 ounces each) catfish fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 pieces (for serving) lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Place the catfish fillets in the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour to marinate.

Step 2

While the fillets are marinating, prepare the breading. In another shallow dish, mix the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 3

Remove the catfish fillets from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on all sides. Shake off any excess breading.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or until shimmering. To test, drop a small pinch of the breading mixture into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it's ready.

Step 5

Carefully place the breaded fillets in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side or until the fillets are golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 6

Remove the fillets from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 7

Serve the catfish fillets hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish. Pair with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, cornbread, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1485.4 grams (1485.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3651

Total Fat 245.70g	315%
Saturated Fat 41.10g	206%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.90g
Cholesterol 503mg	168%
Sodium 3697mg	161%
Total Carbohydrate 224.80g	82%
Dietary Fiber 18.70g	67%
Total Sugars 14.20g
Protein 155.30g	311%

Vitamin D 127IU	635%
Calcium 392mg	30%
Iron 11mg	63%
Potassium 2870mg	61%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.3%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 24.1%