Southern Fried Catfish Recipe

Name: Southern Fried Catfish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup buttermilk; 3/4 cup beer, do NOT use dark beer; 2 lbs catfish fillets, split down the middle; 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup rice flour; 1 tablespoon paprika; 2 tablespoons salt; 2 tablespoons fresh ground black pepper; peanut oil (for frying)

Servings: persons

1
Combine buttermilk and beer in a nonreactive bowl.
2
Add the catfish fillets and refrigerate for 2 hours, BUT NO LONGER.
3
Combine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, rice flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and mix well.
4
Drain fillets and toss them lightly in the breading mixture to coat them.
5
Place the breaded fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and don't let the fillets touch. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
7
On the stove, pour enough oil into a heavy skillet so that it is 2 inches deep and heat it so that it is 355 degrees F. on a frying thermometer.
8
Carefully drop fillets in, 2 at a time and fry them for about 2 1/2 minutes on each side or until they are just golden.
9
Remove the fillets with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain.
10
Transfer the fillets to a platter and keep warm in the preheated oven until they are all fried.
11
Work quickly so that they don't get overdone and serve immediately.

635

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 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 cup buttermilk, 3/4 cup beer, do NOT use dark beer, 2 lbs catfish fillets, split down the middle, 1 cup yellow cornmeal, and more.

Yes, Southern 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!

Southern Fried Catfish

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions