Here’s a classic Southern Fried Catfish recipe — golden, crispy, perfectly seasoned, and tender inside. This is the real deal, fish-fry style, just like you’d get in the Deep South.
🐟 Southern Fried Catfish
⭐ Ingredients (Serves 4)
Fish
- 4 catfish fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce (optional but traditional)
- Salt & pepper
Cornmeal Coating
- 1 cup fine yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½–1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Soak the catfish
- Pat fish dry.
- Season lightly with salt & pepper.
- Place fillets in a dish with buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Let soak 20–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
This tenderizes the fish and helps the coating stick.
2. Prepare the cornmeal breading
In a shallow bowl or large zip-top bag, mix:
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne
- Salt
- Black pepper
3. Heat the oil
- Pour 1–2 inches of oil into a cast-iron skillet or deep pot.
- Heat to 350°F (175°C).
- A pinch of cornmeal should sizzle instantly when dropped in.
4. Coat the fish
- Remove fillets from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge in cornmeal mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.
- Shake off excess — you want a thin, even coating.
5. Fry the catfish
- Carefully place fillets in hot oil, one or two at a time.
- Fry 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Fish should be golden brown and flaky.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
6. Serve
- Serve hot with:
- Hushpuppies
- Coleslaw
- French fries
- Tartar sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Hot sauce
⭐ Tips & Variations
- Super crispy: Double-dip: buttermilk → cornmeal → buttermilk → cornmeal.
- Cajun style: Add 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning to the cornmeal mixture.
- No buttermilk? Use milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice (sit 5 min) or dip in whisked eggs instead.
- Healthier option: Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway (spray lightly with oil).
- Traditional touch: Use 100% cornmeal (no flour) for an extra rustic crunch.
Want the full Southern fish fry meal, including hushpuppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce recipes?
