Best 10 Buttermilk Battered Catfish Recipes

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If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than buttermilk battered catfish. This classic Southern dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The key to making perfect catfish is to use a light and fluffy batter that will crisp up in the hot oil. The buttermilk in the batter helps to tenderize the fish and gives it a slightly tangy flavor. Serve the catfish with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or hush puppies, for a complete meal.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BUTTERMILK BATTERED CATFISH



Buttermilk Battered Catfish image

Southern fried catfish. This is a tribute to a great Southern fried catfish. You won't be able to resist this recipe! This recipe is from Drick's Rambling Café.

Provided by Pat Duran

Categories     Fish

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 c buttermilk
1/2 tsp cider vinegar
1 Tbsp brown mustard
1/2 c cornmeal
1 tsp each of salt, paprika, granulated garlic and onion powder
1/2 tsp old bay seafood seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
4 pieces catfish fillets (about 4 oz. each)
peanut oil for frying

Steps:

  • 1. Whisk together buttermilk, cider vinegar and mustard in a wide bowl. Add fish fillets,coating well in mixture. Let set for 30 minutes.
  • 2. Mix together remaining ingredients in a shallow pan. Remove fish one piece at a time from the buttermilk mixture and then coat both sides of the fillets in the cornmeal mixture. Fry in hot oil until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the fried fillets to a paper towel lined platter to drain until ready to serve.

CLASSIC FRIED CATFISH



Classic Fried Catfish image

Skip the restaurants, and make your own fried catfish at home.

Provided by Southern Living Editors

Time 8h25m

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
6 (4- to 6-oz.) catfish fillets
1/3 cup plain yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup masa harina (corn flour)*
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Peanut oil

Steps:

  • Whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce.
  • Place catfish in a single layer in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish; pour buttermilk mixture over fish. Cover and chill 8 hours, turning once.
  • Combine cornmeal and next 6 ingredients in a shallow dish.
  • Let fish stand at room temperature 10 minutes. Remove from buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge fish in cornmeal mixture, shaking off excess.
  • Pour oil to depth of 2 inches into a large, deep cast-iron or heavy-duty skillet; heat to 360°F.
  • Fry fish, in batches, 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack on a paper towel-lined jelly-roll pan. Keep warm in a 225°F oven until ready to serve.

SOUTHERN FRIED CATFISH



Southern Fried Catfish image

Fried catfish is a Southern tradition, along with buttermilk hush puppies and buttermilk coleslaw. Try these traditional foods together.

Provided by Mama Smith

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Catfish

Time 30m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

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

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture into a flat pan large enough to hold the fillets. Spread fish in one layer over bottom of pan, turning to coat each side, and set aside to marinate.
  • In a 2 gallon resealable plastic bag, combine the cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning. Add fish to mixture, a few fillets at a time, and tumble gently to coat evenly.
  • Heat oil in deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
  • Deep fry fillets until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Avoid overcrowding so fillets have room to brown properly. Fish should be slightly crisp outside, and moist and flaky inside. Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1427.2 calories, Carbohydrate 131.6 g, Cholesterol 145 mg, Fat 78.6 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 45.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.2 g, Sodium 799.9 mg, Sugar 5.9 g

BIG DADDY'S DEEP-FRIED CATFISH



Big Daddy's Deep-Fried Catfish image

Provided by Aaron McCargo Jr.

Categories     main-dish

Time 23m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (12-ounce) bottle amber beer
4 (6-ounce) catfish fillets
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons granulated garlic
1 lemon, juiced

Steps:

  • Preheat a deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, add the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt and cayenne and whisk to combine. Whisk in the beer, being sure to remove any lumps.
  • Cut the catfish fillets in half lengthwise to make 2 strips. If desired, cut into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl add the salt, pepper and granulated garlic. Season the fillets with some of the salt mixture. Reserve the remaining salt mixture for another use.
  • Dip each strip in the beer batter and add to the fryer, a few at a time, moving them around so they don't stick. Fry until brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the fryer to a serving platter. Repeat with the remaining fillets and season the fish with lemon juice.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH



Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish image

Provided by Kardea Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup whole milk
2 heaping tablespoons Miss Brown's House Seasoning, recipe follows
10 catfish filets, about 4 ounces each
Vegetable oil, for frying
2 1/2 cups finely ground yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Lemon wedges, for serving
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Stir together the milk and 1 heaping tablespoon of the House Seasoning. Pour the milk mixture into a shallow baking dish large enough to hold the filets. Spread the filets in an even layer in the dish, turning to coat each side. Let marinate for about 1 hour in a cool place or the refrigerator.
  • Pour enough oil into a large Dutch oven to come 2 inches up the side. Clip a deep-fry thermometer to the pot and heat over medium-high heat until the thermometer reaches 370 degrees F.
  • Meanwhile, stir together the cornmeal, flour and remaining 1 heaping tablespoon House Seasoning in a paper bag. Working with a few filets at a time, remove them from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them in the paper bag and gently turn the bag over several times until the filets are evenly coated with the cornmeal mixture. Remove the filets and place them on a baking sheet while you repeat the process with the remaining filets.
  • Working in batches, fry the filets until golden brown and crisp on the outside and moist and flaky inside, adjusting the heat to maintain temperature, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a clean wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to drain. Serve the filets with lemon wedges.
  • Stir together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

BUTTERMILK-AND-CORNMEAL PAN-FRIED CATFISH



Buttermilk-and-Cornmeal Pan-Fried Catfish image

Provided by Jonathan Reynolds

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup buttermilk or water
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
1/2 cup peanut oil for frying
4 catfish fillets (about 8 ounces each)

Steps:

  • Place buttermilk in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl combine cornmeal, salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning.
  • Heat about 1/8 inch of oil in large skillet over medium heat until a pinch of cornmeal mixture sizzles quickly.
  • Dip catfish fillets into buttermilk to coat on both sides. Drain excess and dredge fillets in cornmeal mixture, coating both sides. Shake off excess.
  • Fry fillets in oil, 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until nicely browned and crisp.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 835, UnsaturatedFat 31 grams, Carbohydrate 68 grams, Fat 43 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 43 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 636 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

TODD RICHARDS'S FRIED CATFISH WITH HOT SAUCE



Todd Richards's Fried Catfish With Hot Sauce image

The Atlanta chef Todd Richards says his mother made catfish on Fridays as part of her weekly rotation of dishes. She let the fish sit in cornmeal for about five minutes before frying, a technique that he said resulted in very crispy fish. He uses the same method in this recipe, adapted from his cookbook, "Soul: A Chef's Culinary Evolution in 150 Recipes" (Oxmoor House, 2018). If you're using boneless catfish, this dish can be served as a sandwich.

Provided by Korsha Wilson

Categories     easy, main course

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups (16 ounces) whole buttermilk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon granulated onion or onion powder
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds catfish fillets, cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces
2 cups (about 8 1/2 ounces) plain yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Combine the buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, granulated garlic, granulated onion and 1 teaspoon each of the salt and black pepper in a large bowl or large resealable plastic freezer bag. Add catfish pieces; cover or seal and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours.
  • Whisk together the cornmeal, cayenne and remaining 3 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a shallow dish or pie pan.
  • Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet to 350 degrees over medium heat.
  • Remove the catfish from the buttermilk mixture and dredge in the cornmeal. Let stand 5 minutes.
  • Fry the catfish (large pieces first), in batches, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve with additional hot sauce.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 987, UnsaturatedFat 57 grams, Carbohydrate 56 grams, Fat 69 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 34 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 957 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 1 gram

BEER BATTERED CATFISH



Beer Battered Catfish image

Make and share this Beer Battered Catfish recipe from Food.com.

Provided by carolinafan

Categories     Catfish

Time 1h5m

Yield 24 pieces

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup unsifted all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
3/4 cup beer, room temperature
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 lb catfish fillet, cut into 3- to 4-inch wide strips
vegetable oil (for frying)

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, baking powder, paprika, peppers, and oregano.
  • Whisk in beer and egg until smooth. Add catfish. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
  • In a deep skillet or large pan, pour vegetable oil to a 3-inch depth. Heat oil to medium-high heat on stovetop.
  • When oil is hot, lift fish strips with tongs to drain excess batter. Fry catfish in oil, several pieces at a time (being careful not to overcrowd), for approximately 3 minutes per batch, or until well browned on all sides.
  • Drain on paper towels.
  • Repeat with remaining catfish, keeping cooked fish warm until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 53.3, Fat 1.7, SaturatedFat 0.4, Cholesterol 17.7, Sodium 77.2, Carbohydrate 5.1, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.1, Protein 3.6

FRIED CATFISH



Fried Catfish image

A buttermilk brine and cornmeal coating yield crisp fried catfish. Serve with lemon and hot sauce, or pile on a hoagie roll with shredded iceberg lettuce and tartar sauce. This recipe also works well with tilapia.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes

Time 2h20m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound skinless catfish fillets (2 to 3), halved lengthwise
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup buttermilk, plus more if needed
1 cup fine yellow cornmeal
Vegetable oil, for frying
Lemon wedges and hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Pat fish dry; transfer to a pie dish or other wide, shallow dish. Season generously with salt andpepper. Add buttermilk, turning and arranging fish strips to fully submerge. Let stand 2 hours, or refrigerate, loosely covered, up to 8 hours.
  • In another pie dish, season cornmeal with salt and pepper. Working one at a time, lift fishstrips from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in cornmeal mixture, turning toevenly coat. Gently shake off any excess; transfer to a wire rack.
  • Pour enough oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron) to come 1/4 inchup sides (about 3/4 cup); heat over medium-high. When oil shimmers and a bit of cornmeal sizzles when dropped in, add fish in a single layer (do not crowd pan; fry in batches if necessary). Cook, undisturbed, until fish is golden brown on bottoms and lifts easily from skillet, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until golden on bottoms and just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer to a clean wire rack, season with salt, and let cool 1 minute. Serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce, or one of the fish sauces.

KEN'S BEER BATTER FRIED CATFISH



Ken's Beer Batter Fried Catfish image

DH loves to fish, and when he brings home a "catch", this is the first recipe we go to, of coarse I have to quick grab the 1/2 cup of beer before he gets to it. You can add or delete the seasonings as your taste sees fit,Soaking in buttermilk, is the key to kicking the "fishy" taste, but this is an optional step. The original recipe comes from Ryan Newman. Prep time does not include chill time.

Provided by BakinBaby

Categories     Catfish

Time 8m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup beer (room temperature)
1 egg
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)
1 tablespoon cajun seasoning (optional)
1/4 teaspoon oregano (dried-optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 lb catfish fillet
1/3 cup buttermilk (optional, you can also use milk)
1/2 teaspoon salt
vegetable oil

Steps:

  • BATTER:.
  • In a medium bowl, combine flour,cornstarch & your choice of seasonings,baking powder,salt and pepper, whisk in beer & egg until smooth, cover & refrigerate 1-2 hours.
  • CATFISH:.
  • Soak fillets in 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/3 cup buttermilk or milk (optional step).
  • COOKING:.
  • When ready to cook, in a deep skillet, heat oil (about 3" deep) to 375 degrees.
  • Allow fillets to drip dry then lightly dab them with a paper towel to insure they are not wet, dip fillets in batter, lift strips with tongs, draining excess batter, then place catfish in oil several pieces at a time (do not over crowd fillets).
  • Fry until well browned on all sides (about 3 min.), remove and drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 166.6, Fat 4.9, SaturatedFat 1.3, Cholesterol 78.5, Sodium 578.4, Carbohydrate 15.8, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 1.1, Protein 11.9

Tips:

  • Use fresh catfish fillets for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen fillets, thaw them completely before cooking.
  • Make sure the buttermilk marinade is well chilled before using. This will help to keep the catfish moist and tender.
  • Don't overcrowd the catfish in the fryer. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.
  • Fry the catfish until it is golden brown and cooked through. This will take about 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Serve the catfish hot with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, hush puppies, or French fries.

Conclusion:

Buttermilk battered catfish is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, flaky interior, it is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give buttermilk battered catfish a try. You won't be disappointed!

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