Fried Catfish - Cornmeal-crusted, deep-fried
Escape into the flavors of the South with this mouth-watering recipe for Classic Southern Fried Catfish. Brought to you by the culinary artists at Soul Food Cooking, this dish captures the essence of soul food tradition — perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside. Whether you’re organizing a family dinner or simply craving some comfort food, follow these simple steps to recreate the magic of Southern cuisine in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of catfish fillets
- 1 cup of cornmeal
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 teaspoons of black pepper
- Canola oil for frying
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 7-8 minutes per batch; Total Time: ~25 minutes
Equipment: Large cast-iron skillet, small bowl, medium bowl, whisk, wire rack, paper towels
Serving Size: 4 people
Steps:
1. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Mix these spices well to create your seasoning blend.
2. Generously season both sides of the catfish fillets with the spice mixture you just made, then set them aside.
3. In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and the remaining seasoning blend.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the 2 eggs to create an egg wash.
5. One by one, dredge each seasoned fish fillet through the egg wash, ensuring it’s well coated.
6. Next, dip the egg-washed fillets into the cornmeal and flour mixture, making sure that the fish is evenly covered on all sides.
7. Place the coated fish fillets on a wire rack to set the coating.
8. Preheat canola oil in a large cast-iron skillet to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (use enough oil to deep fry the fish).
9. Carefully place the fish into the heated oil and fry for 7 to 8 minutes. The ideal outcome is a golden brown, crispy exterior without overcooking the delicate fish inside.
10. Once the fish fillets are fried to perfection, remove them from the skillet and transfer them onto a plate lined with paper towels. This step is crucial to drain any excess oil and maintain the crispiness of the breading.
11. Serve hot and enjoy the taste of Southern comfort on your plate!
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature before adding your fish to prevent it from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste if desired.
- Monitor your fish as it fries to avoid overcooking. The fillets should be golden brown when done.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish if you're unsure. It should reach 145°F when fully cooked.
Remember to give this recipe a try and explore more of Soul Food Cooking’s delightful dishes. Don’t forget to subscribe to their YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@SoulFoodCooking) for more inspiring recipes.
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