Southern Fried Catfish

fried catfish fillet laying in a red basket with hushpuppies, remoulade sauce and lemon wedge

5 from 2 votes

This Southern fried catfish recipe only requires a few ingredients but produces crispy, crunchy, tasty results. Serve hot with hush puppies or fries.

Course Entree

Cuisine American, Southern

Cook Time 7

Servings people

Calories 199kcal

Author Lisa B.

Ingredients

1 cup cooking oil
2 pounds cleaned catfish fillets
2 cups white self-rising cornmeal
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 large eggs lightly beaten
A few dashes of hot sauce optional
2 tablespoons water
Lemon wedges optional

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F.
Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper.
In a shallow baking dish combine the cornmeal, salt and pepper.
Break the eggs into another shallow baking dish. Add the water and lightly beat the egg.
Add hot sauce to the egg mixture if desired.
Dredge the fish fillets in the breadcrumbs.
Coat with the egg mixture.
Place the fillets back into the cornmeal and coat thoroughly.
Place the fillets in the hot oil a few at a time. Fry for 7-8 minutes until the cornmeal coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Place cooked fish on paper towels or newspaper to drain.

Video

Notes

Storage. Wrap any leftover catfish fillets individual in paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container or plastic freezer bag. Consume within four days.

Freezing. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Place the fish on the waxed paper and place the baking sheet on a flat surface in the freezer. Allow the fish to freeze solid. Then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Consume within three months.

Reheating. If not previously frozen, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the fillets on a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 7-8 minutes until the fish is heated through and the coating is crisp.

If frozen, do not thaw. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and bake for about 20 minutes until the fish is heated through.

Nutrition