Fried Catfish 2

Crispy, golden, and bursting with bold Southern flavors, "Fried Catfish 2" is a classic comfort dish elevated by a spicy buttermilk marinade and a perfectly seasoned cornmeal coating. The catfish fillets are soaked in a zesty blend of buttermilk and hot sauce, then dredged in a flavorful mixture of paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne for a subtle kick. Fried to perfection in hot oil, the result is catfish that's irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quintessential Southern recipe pairs beautifully with lemon wedges, coleslaw, or hush puppies for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is soulful. Perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings, this dish brings restaurant-quality fried catfish right to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces catfish fillets
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups vegetable oil
• 4 pieces lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce.

Step 2

Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and place them into the buttermilk mixture. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for extra flavor).

Step 3

In a shallow dish, mix the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Remove one catfish fillet from the buttermilk mixture and allow excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing it gently to make sure it is evenly coated. Repeat with the remaining fillets.

Step 5

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy or frying thermometer to monitor the temperature for accuracy.

Step 6

Carefully lower the fillets into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the catfish for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7

Remove the cooked catfish from the oil and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 8

Serve the fried catfish immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Pair with coleslaw, hush puppies, or your favorite Southern-style sides!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1954.4 grams (1954.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7301

Total Fat 664.20g	852%
Saturated Fat 103.30g	517%
Polyunsaturated Fat 404.20g
Cholesterol 334mg	111%
Sodium 3812mg	166%
Total Carbohydrate 280.40g	102%
Dietary Fiber 19.60g	70%
Total Sugars 26.10g
Protein 117.10g	234%

Vitamin D 254IU	1269%
Calcium 645mg	50%
Iron 13mg	73%
Potassium 2373mg	50%

*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: 79.0%

Protein: 6.2%

Carbs: 14.8%