Best 6 Deep Fried Catfish Recipes

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If you're craving some delicious, crispy, and flavorful deep-fried catfish, then you've come to the right place! In this article, we'll take you on a culinary journey to discover the best recipe for this classic Southern dish. We'll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect catfish fillets, preparing the batter, and frying them to perfection. Along the way, we'll share some insider tips and tricks to ensure that your deep-fried catfish turns out incredibly tasty and irresistible. So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a delightful culinary adventure!

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

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.

DEEP FRIED CATFISH



Deep Fried Catfish image

Make and share this Deep Fried Catfish recipe from Food.com.

Provided by MizzNezz

Categories     Catfish

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 lbs catfish meat
oil (for deep frying)

Steps:

  • Mix dry ingredients.
  • Heat oil to 365F degrees.
  • Dip fish in milk, then in flour mixture.
  • Fry a few at a time, turning once, about 2 minutes each side.
  • Drain on paper towels.

DEEP FRIED CATFISH BITES WITH A KICKBACK SAUCE



Deep Fried Catfish Bites with a Kickback Sauce image

I love good catfish, and these have just the right amount of flavor in the coating so that they don't overpower the taste of the fish. Add to that a kickback dipping sauce, and you have all the ingredients for a great meal. You can even use the leftover batter to make hushpuppies. So, you ready... Let's get into the...

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Categories     Seafood Appetizers

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 23

DIPPING SAUCE
1/2 c mayonnaise
2 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp fresh honey
1 tsp brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
hot sauce, to taste (i like frank's)
salt, kosher variety, to taste
THE CATFISH
1 c flour, all purpose variety
1 c yellow cornmeal
1 Tbsp baking powder
2 tsp salt, kosher variety, or to taste
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
12 oz amber beer
24 oz catfish fillets
1 Tbsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
tsp ground paprika/dill or both (optional)
peanut oil, my favorite oil for deep-frying.
lemon wedges (for serving)

Steps:

  • 1. DIPPING SAUCE
  • 2. Gather your ingredients.
  • 3. Add the mayonnaise, brown mustard, lime juice, honey, brown sugar, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl.
  • 4. Whisk to combine.
  • 5. Season with hot sauce and salt to your own particular tastes.
  • 6. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
  • 7. Cover, and reserve.
  • 8. Chef's Note: If you have the time, allow the dipping sauce to sit for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. This will help give the ingredients a chance to know each other.
  • 9. THE CATFISH
  • 10. Gather your ingredients.
  • 11. Cut the catfish into bite-sized pieces, and reserve.
  • 12. Add the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt and the cayenne pepper to a large bowl.
  • 13. Whisk to combine.
  • 14. Chef's Note: Adjust the salt to your own tastes, or leave it out altogether.
  • 15. Add the beer.
  • 16. Whisk until there are no lumps and the mixture is completely smooth.
  • 17. Chef's Tip: If you have any left over beer, you should drink it down. We don't want anything wasted.
  • 18. Chef's Note: If the batter is still a bit thick, add some water to thin it down.
  • 19. Mix the remaining 1-teaspoon of salt with the pepper, garlic powder, and paprika and/or dill, if using.
  • 20. Use this to lightly season the fish on both sides.
  • 21. Chef's Note: You will probably have more of the salt/pepper/garlic mixture than what you need. Discard any that's left.
  • 22. Preheat your oil to 350f (176c).
  • 23. Chef's Tip: If you have a deep fryer, most are preset to this temperature. If you are using a pot, then use a thermometer to keep the temperature as close to 350f (176c) as possible.
  • 24. Dip a piece of catfish into the batter and then carefully place into the hot oil.
  • 25. Chef's Tip: Place several pieces into the oil, but don't overcrowd.
  • 26. Keep the catfish moving in the oil so that they don't stick.
  • 27. Fry until the catfish bites are nice and brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  • 28. Place the cooked catfish on a paper towel, and repeat for the remaining catfish.
  • 29. Chef's Tip: To keep the catfish warm, you might want to place them on a paper-towel lined baking sheet. Preset the oven to 200f (94c), and keep them in there until ready to serve.
  • 30. Chef's Note: If you have any batter left over, and you probably will, drizzle it into the hot oil, and make some crunchies, put them in the plate and lay the catfish on top. I think some people like the crunchies more than the catfish.
  • 31. To serve, add to a serving plate, with the dipping sauce on the side. Add a few lemon wedges, and there you go. Enjoy.
  • 32. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

DEEP-FRIED CATFISH



Deep-Fried Catfish image

Craig Claiborne was the food editor of the New York Times for 29 years, and he opened the world of global cooking to generations of readers who knew little about even Italian or French food. But underneath it, he always had an abiding appreciation for the classic food of his childhood home in Mississippi. This simple, reliable formula for fried catfish can be applied to other relatively firm white filets. Mr. Claiborne's love of corn oil reflects the era in which he cooked. Canola, sunflower or peanut oil will work as well.

Provided by The New York Times

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, main course

Time 20m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 catfish fillets, about 1 pound
Fresh corn oil to cover
1/2 cup white cornmeal
Salt to taste, if desired
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Lemon halves
Tomato ketchup
Hush Puppies (see recipe)

Steps:

  • Heat the oil for deep frying.
  • Cut each fillet in half crosswise.
  • Combine the cornmeal, salt and pepper.
  • Dredge the fillets in the cornmeal. Pat to make the cornmeal adhere. Drop the fillets in the oil and cook five to 10 minutes or until crisp and brown. Serve with lemon halves, ketchup and hush puppies.

DEEP FRIED CATFISH W/ APPALICHIAN COLE SLAW



Deep Fried Catfish w/ Appalichian Cole Slaw image

Lord we love us some catfish here, well really all fish here. Me and my husband are huge fishermen (I am the pro lol No Really I tourney fish) And we love to fry all our fish. I pulled this out of the freezer from a trip last summer and this is just the best fried catfish around. The bump in flavor from the buttermilk and the...

Provided by Gina Davis

Categories     Fish

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 18

DEEP FRIED CATFISH
2 lb catfish filets (or more depending on size of meal)
2 c whole buttermilk (or low fat)
2 Tbsp lemon or lime juice either is fine
1 Tbsp hot sauce
3 c flour (sr or ap is fine)
1 c corn meal mix
2 Tbsp cajun seasoning (i use my own home mix here but any is fine just use what you like)
pleanty of oil for deep frying
APPALACHIAN COLE SLAW
1 lb head of cabbage chopped and finely diced
2 - 3 carrots peeled, chopped and finely diced
4 green onions finely diced
1 1/2 c mayonnaise (i use dukes or hellmanns a good mayo makes for a good start)
2 Tbsp mustard
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 1. CATFISH: rinse catfish filets and let drain in strainer for at least 30 mins
  • 2. To me the most important thing you can do for this dish is to clean them cats good! Some people say the red streak (fat) down the middle of the filet does not change the flavor of the fish BUT I have found it does it gives it that "fishy" taste to me! Ok I did a few photos to show what i mean on the cleaning, trimming and cutting into fingers.....Hope this helps :)
  • 3. Cut the filets in half following the middle split in the filet. trim the thickest part of the red or brownish color off the filet after you cut in half.
  • 4. Cut each diagonally into fingers you will get 2 to 3 "fingers" per piece of catfish depending on size
  • 5. Place fingers in bowl
  • 6. In separate bowl mix up buttermilk, hot sauce and lemon or lime juice and pour over catfish. Let this soak for around 30 minutes
  • 7. In a big Ziploc bag place flour, cornmeal mix and Cajun seasoning. I don't add extra salt because the seasoning seems to have plenty but add it if you think it needs it pepper to :) Shake the mix around to get good and mixed up.
  • 8. Finger drain your catfish (just pick up a few and let them drain shake off some of the liquid) and add to flour mixture add a few and shake them around and then add a few more and shake them around repeat until all are in bag and coated with flour/cornmeal mix. If you seem to be running low on the mix or fingers are not coated good toss in a handful of flour and shake some more :)
  • 9. Let catfish hang out in Ziploc bag while you heat your oil to 350 degree once oil is hot place a few fingers into it and fry until nice and brown. Do this in batches so you don't over crowed the pot.
  • 10. Once nice and brown remove to wire rack or plenty of paper towels to drain
  • 11. "APPY Slaw" Appalachian Cole Slaw
  • 12. Cut, Chop and Finely dice cabbage. Peel, cut, chop and Finely dice Carrots. Finely dice green onions and put in a bowl together.
  • 13. In a separate bowl mix everything for the slaw dressing.
  • 14. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and mix well. Taste to see if you want more mayo or vinegar or mustard Make this your own if it is to much vinegar add a little mayo and a sprinkle of sugar, to sweet add a drop of mustard or vinegar. Just play to get your favorite flavor out of this that how we do it up here in the Appy Mountains :)
  • 15. Tonight I served the catfish and slaw with simple crocks of baked beans and my homemade Jalapeno Tartar Sauce (recipe posted)

DEEP FRIED CATFISH



DEEP FRIED CATFISH image

WHENEVER WE HAVE A FISH FRY, WE COOK CATFISH BECAUSE IT'S A FAVORITE. EVERYBODY STUFF THEMSELVES WITH FRIED CATFISH AND FRIED MULLET AND SIDES THAT WE MAKE TO GO ALONG WITH THE FRIED FISH, EVERYONE JUST LOVES IT.....

Provided by Teresa Howell

Categories     Fish

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

3-4 medium catfish pieces per person
1 c white corn meal
1/3 c all purpose flour
2 tsp salt
2 tsp lemon pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 medium eggs
1/4 c buttermilk
enough cooking oil to cover the fish - peanut oil

Steps:

  • 1. COMBINE ALL YOUR DRY INGREDIENTS. BEAT EGGS AND BUTTERMILK IN A MEDIUM SIZE BOWL. WASH CATFISH FILLETS AND PAT DRY.
  • 2. DIP FILLETS IN THE EGG WASH, SHAKE OFF EXCESS WASH, THEN ROLL IN THE CORNMEAL MIX TO COAT THOROUGHLY ON ALL SIDES. MAKE SURE OIL IS HOT, THEN PLACE FISH IN FRYING PAN AND FRY UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN ON BOTH SIDES.
  • 3. DRAIN ON PAPER TOWELS AND SREVE HOT.

Tips:

  • Choose the right catfish: Select firm, fresh catfish fillets with a mild odor.
  • Use a light batter: A simple batter made with flour, cornmeal, eggs, and milk will allow the flavor of the catfish to shine through.
  • Season the batter well: Add your favorite seasonings and spices to the batter for extra flavor. Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper are all good choices.
  • Use a neutral oil for frying: Vegetable oil or canola oil are good choices for frying catfish. Avoid using olive oil or butter, as they can burn easily.
  • Fry the catfish in small batches: This will help prevent the oil temperature from dropping too low and the catfish from becoming greasy.
  • Cook the catfish until golden brown and flaky: The internal temperature of the catfish should reach 145°F (63°C).
  • Serve the catfish hot with your favorite sides: Hush puppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce are all classic choices.

Conclusion:

Deep-fried catfish is a Southern classic that is enjoyed by people of all ages. With its crispy coating and flaky flesh, it's a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner cook, these tips will help you make the best deep-fried catfish at home. So what are you waiting for? Grab some catfish and get frying!

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