Best 8 How To Pan Fry Catfish Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Pan-fried catfish is a classic Southern dish that is both delicious and easy to make. With its crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, flaky interior, pan-fried catfish is a surefire hit with family and friends. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to create the perfect pan-fried catfish dish. From selecting the right type of catfish to choosing the best cooking oil, and learning the proper frying technique, this article will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring that your pan-fried catfish turns out perfectly every time.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SO GOOD PANFRIED CATFISH (MAKEOVER)



So Good Panfried Catfish (Makeover) image

From Betty's Soul Food Collection... Purr-fect for catfish or any mild-flavored fish, this dish goes from pan to kitchen table in 20 minutes flat-with a spicy cornmeal breading that's sure to heat up dinner hour!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 egg
1/2 teaspoon Frank's™ RedHot™ Original cayenne pepper sauce
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning (from 6-oz container)
1 1/2 lb catfish or other mild-flavored fish fillets (about 3/4 inch thick), cut into 6 serving pieces
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
Lemon wedges

Steps:

  • In shallow dish, beat egg and hot pepper sauce until well mixed. In another shallow dish, stir cornmeal, paprika, pepper, salt, onion powder and seafood seasoning until blended.
  • Dip each piece of fish into egg mixture, then coat with cornmeal mixture.
  • In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add fish; cook 4 to 8 minutes, turning once, until fish flakes easily with fork and is brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. (To keep underside of fish crisp, immediately place fish on cooling rack until serving time.) Squeeze lemon juice over fish.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving, TransFat 0 g

PAN FRIED CATFISH FILETS



Pan Fried Catfish Filets image

Lightly fried and very flavorful. Sure to please all. Serve with lemon wedges and homemade tartar sauce.

Provided by EHOLT

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Catfish

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
4 (4 ounce) fillets catfish
1 cup milk
4 cloves garlic, minced

Steps:

  • In a mixing bowl, stir together cornmeal, cayenne pepper, paprika and onion powder. Mix well. Pour mixture onto a large sheet of waxed paper.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Pour milk into a medium bowl. Dip catfish filets into milk and hold up and let the milk drip off. Roll the milk-soaked filet in the cornmeal mixture until completely covered. Set aside.
  • Fry the garlic in the hot skillet, but do not burn. Add the coated catfish filets and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, sprinkling salt on the fish after each turn. Cook until golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork. Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 489.5 calories, Carbohydrate 32.7 g, Cholesterol 57.5 mg, Fat 29.3 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 22.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 88.2 mg, Sugar 3.9 g

CATFISH (PAN FRIED)



Catfish (Pan Fried) image

This is a WONDERFUL way to make catfish filets. If you never had catfish, you have no idea what you are missing. Try it, you will like it!

Provided by Alan Leonetti

Categories     Catfish

Time 20m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 (6 -6 1/2 ounce) catfish fillets
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons minced parsley
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Place catfish into a shallow bowl or baking dish.
  • In another smaller bowl mix all of the seasonings. Season the filets with half of the seasonings. Add the lemon juice. Turn the catfish filets several times to coat evenly. Allow to stand at room temperature 15 minutes.
  • Combine the cornmeal, flour and the remaining seasoning mixture in a bowl.
  • Remove the catfish filets from the marinade and dredge in the cornmeal mixture, coating evenly.
  • Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the catfish and fry in batches until golden brown on both sides, turning once, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  • Remove the catfish from the skillet with a slotted spatula, drain on paper towels and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1663.8, Fat 136.7, SaturatedFat 20.4, Cholesterol 159.8, Sodium 1362.8, Carbohydrate 52.2, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 1.7, Protein 58.8

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

PAT'S PAN-FRIED CATFISH



Pat's Pan-Fried Catfish image

Pretty much every young Appalachian man learns to catch, clean, and fry catfish in his youth. In fact, it was sort of a "rite of passage" for many of us. I have fried it right on the creekbank over my campfire within minutes of catching these delectable freshwater delicacies. This basic recipe has served me well for many years and I still love the great, but mild, flavor which is yielded by pan-frying catfish. Over the past 40 years, I've made a change or two in the recipe on which my elder fishing buddies of that era taught me, but the essential strength of this, or any other fried catfish recipe, is in the cornmeal coating. So, here is an Appalachian catfish recipe which I hope becomes a legacy in your own family -- good eating!

Provided by Bone Man

Categories     Catfish

Time 50m

Yield 3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 medium catfish fillets (no skin)
2 cups flour, divided
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon dried fennel (optional)
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups Crisco shortening

Steps:

  • Dry your catfish filets with paper towels.
  • Pour 1 cup of the flour on a plate and "dust" the filets and set them aside on another plate for about half an hour. (This process helps to keep the coating on the fish as they fry).
  • Next, heat the shortening in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Set up a shallow medium-sized bowl and a dinner plate for "drenching" and "dredging" the fillets.
  • In the bowl, break the eggs and beat them a bit, then add the buttermilk and the lemon juice and whisk these ingredients a few seconds until blended.
  • On the plate, pour the remaining cup of flour, cornmeal, garlic salt, thyme, table salt, baking soda, and fennel (if you're using it). Mix it up with a fork or with your fingers.
  • Dip a fillet into the liquid, coating it totally, and then allow it to drip off a bit. Then, roll it carefully in the flour/cornmeal mix until it is coated all over. Carefully lay the fillet in the hot oil. It should start frying immediately -- if not, your oil is not hot enough!
  • Repeat this process until you have half of the fillets in the pan. You don't want to crowd them so plan on doing the fish in two separate batches.
  • When the fillets have turned a golden brown on the bottom side, carefully turn them to fry the other side. Remove them to a plate with some paper towels on it once they are golden brown all over (about 3-4 minutes for each side). (The fillets should be snow-white in the thick portion of the fillet, and the meat should "flake apart" when pulled apart with a fork).
  • Serve either as a sandwich, or, plate up the fish with side dishes (I like good coleslaw and baked beans with my catfish). A tangy tartar sauce is also good with fried catfish. Enjoy!
  • NOTE: Pan-fried catfish makes an EXCELLENT breakfast, along with fried potatoes, when you're camping!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1669.8, Fat 142.3, SaturatedFat 35.9, Cholesterol 144.3, Sodium 1126.3, Carbohydrate 84.4, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 4.8, Protein 17.2

QUICK PAN FRIED CATFISH



Quick Pan Fried Catfish image

Fish fillets coated with Original Bisquick® mix and cornmeal give you a delicious skillet dinner - ready in 25 minutes.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

3/4 cup Original Bisquick™ mix
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning
4 catfish fillets (4 to 6 oz each)
1/2 cup ranch dressing
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Lemon wedges

Steps:

  • In shallow bowl, stir together Bisquick mix, cornmeal and seafood seasoning. Pat catfish fillets dry with paper towels; brush both sides of fillets with dressing. Coat with Bisquick mixture, lightly pressing mixture onto fillets.
  • In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook catfish in hot oil 6 to 10 minutes, turning once, until fish flakes easily with fork. Serve immediately with lemon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 509, Carbohydrate 34 g, Fat 4, Fiber 1 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1189 mg

SKILLET-GRILLED CATFISH



Skillet-Grilled Catfish image

The Cajun flavor is great in this skillet-grilled catfish recipe. You can use this recipe with any thick fish fillet, but I suggest catfish or haddock. -Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 catfish fillets (6 to 8 ounces each)
1/4 cup butter

Steps:

  • In a large shallow dish, combine the first 9 ingredients. Add catfish, 1 fillet at a time, and turn to coat., Place a large cast-iron skillet on a grill rack over medium-high heat. Melt butter in the skillet; add catfish in batches, if necessary. Grill, covered, until fish just begins to flake easily with a fork, 5-10 minutes on each side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 222 calories, Fat 15g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 51mg cholesterol, Sodium 366mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

SOUTHERN-STYLE PAN-FRIED CATFISH



Southern-Style Pan-Fried Catfish image

Emeril prepared this catfish recipe from his new book, " Emeril 20-40-60," as part of a live cooking challenge on "The Martha Stewart Show." He also made Simple Turkey Meatloaf and Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
1 tablespoon Emeril's Original Essence or Creole Seasoning
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons Louisiana hot sauce or other red hot sauce
4 (6- to 8-ounce) skinless catfish fillets
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon coarse salt
2/3 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Emeril's Kicked-Up Tartar Sauce, for serving (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving

Steps:

  • Whisk together buttermilk, mustard, Essence, garlic, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Place fillets in a shallow baking dish just large enough to hold them in an even layer. Pour buttermilk mixture over fish, making sure each fillet is evenly coated; set aside.
  • In another shallow baking dish, whisk together flour, cornmeal, and salt.
  • Working with 1 piece of fish at a time, remove from buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess, and dredge in flour mixture to coat. Transfer to a plate and repeat process with remaining fillets.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When oil is hot, carefully add two fillets to skillet. Cook, until golden brown and crisp, about 4 minutes. Turn and continue cooking until golden brown and crisp on the second side, 3 to 4 minutes more.
  • Using a fish spatula, transfer fillets to a paper towel-lined plate; repeat process with remaining 2 fillets. Serve immediately with tartar sauce, if desired, and lemon wedges.

Tips:

  • Choose the right catfish: Look for fresh or frozen catfish fillets that are firm and have a mild, sweet flavor.
  • Season the catfish fillets well: Use a combination of salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to season the catfish fillets before frying them. This will help to enhance the flavor of the fish.
  • Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet: A well-seasoned cast iron skillet will help to prevent the catfish fillets from sticking and will also help to create a crispy crust.
  • Heat the oil to the right temperature: The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you add the catfish fillets. If the oil is too hot, the catfish fillets will burn. If the oil is not hot enough, the catfish fillets will not cook evenly.
  • Cook the catfish fillets in batches: Do not overcrowd the skillet with catfish fillets. Cook the catfish fillets in batches so that they have enough room to cook evenly.
  • Flip the catfish fillets halfway through cooking: Use a spatula to carefully flip the catfish fillets halfway through cooking. This will help to ensure that the catfish fillets cook evenly on both sides.
  • Serve the catfish fillets immediately: Serve the catfish fillets immediately after they are cooked. Catfish fillets are best enjoyed when they are hot and crispy.

Conclusion:

Pan-fried catfish is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following the tips in this article, you can make sure that your pan-fried catfish is cooked to perfection. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give pan-fried catfish a try!

Related Topics