Will's Spicy New Orleans Catfish Fries

Discovered this recipe while I was a consultant to one of the long time landmark New Orleans restaurants 20 years ago. It's still my all-time favorite catfish recipe and I have closely guarded the recipe till now. I hope others will enjoy it as much as I have.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 3 mins
• Total Time: 13 mins
• Calories: 371 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 quart oil for frying
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• ½ cup corn flour
• 1 (10 ounce) fillet frozen catfish

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Lay catfish fillet horizontally on cutting board. Cut thin 1/4 inch wide strips from the filet at a 45 degree angle. This is easy if your knife is sharp, and the filet is partly frozen.

Step 2

Dust fish strips moderately with cayenne pepper, and gently tumble together to evenly coat all strips. They should look pink all over when you are through. On the Bayou, this is called a dry marinade. Place catfish strips on a plate or pan, and set aside for a few minutes to thaw.

Step 3

Heat oil in deep-fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Place enough corn flour to bread your catfish on a bowl or plate, and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 4

Place thawed catfish into seasoned corn flour, and tumble gently until all strips are evenly coated. Deep fry in hot oil for about 3 minutes, or until done. Fish should be golden brown, slightly crisp outside, and moist and flaky inside when done.