Classic Fried Catfish Recipe

Name: Classic Fried Catfish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups buttermilk; 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce; 6 (4- to 6-oz.) catfish fillets; 1/3 cup plain yellow cornmeal; 1/3 cup masa harina (corn flour)*; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon ground red pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Peanut oil

Servings: persons

1
Whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce.
2
Place catfish in a single layer in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish; pour buttermilk mixture over fish. Cover and chill 8 hours, turning once.
3
Combine cornmeal and next 6 ingredients in a shallow dish.
4
Let fish stand at room temperature 10 minutes. Remove from buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge fish in cornmeal mixture, shaking off excess.
5
Pour oil to depth of 2 inches into a large, deep cast-iron or heavy-duty skillet; heat to 360u00b0.
6
Fry fish, in batches, 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack on a paper towel-lined jelly-roll pan. Keep warm in a 225u00b0 oven until ready to serve.
7
*All-purpose flour or plain yellow cornmeal may be substituted.

665

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce, 6 (4- to 6-oz.) catfish fillets, 1/3 cup plain yellow cornmeal, and more.

Yes, Classic Fried Catfish falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Classic Fried Catfish

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions