Southern Fried Catfish

This fried catfish recipe is made with fish fillets marinated in buttermilk and coated with Old Bay cornmeal, deep-fried until crisp and golden brown.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 1427 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup water
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 quart vegetable oil for deep frying
• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups fine cornmeal
• 1 pound catfish fillets, cut in strips

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).

Step 2

Mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour mixture into a flat pan large enough to hold fillets. Arrange fillets in a single layer in the pan, turning to coat each side. Set aside to marinate.

Step 3

Combine cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning in a 2-gallon resealable plastic bag. Add fillets to the bag, a few at a time, and tumble gently until evenly coated.

Step 4

Fry fillets in hot oil until crisp and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, so fillets have room to brown properly. Drain on paper towels.