Best 8 Pan Fried Catfish Filets Recipes

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Pan-fried catfish filets are a classic Southern dish that is easy to make and incredibly delicious. With its crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, flaky interior, it's no wonder why this dish is a favorite among fish lovers. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to create the perfect pan-fried catfish filets. From selecting the freshest fish to perfecting the cooking technique, we'll cover everything you need to know to make this dish a success. So, grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal of pan-fried catfish filets.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

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

PAN FRIED CATFISH



Pan Fried Catfish image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 (8-ounce) catfish fillets
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon creole seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 cup milk
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
Lemon wedges, for garnish

Steps:

  • Rinse the fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Mix the cornmeal, flour, salt, creole seasoning, paprika, and pepper together in a shallow dish. Pour the milk into a second shallow dish. Dip the fillets into the milk and then into the cornmeal mixture, coating them well and shaking of any excess.
  • Heat 1/2 the butter in a large skillet over high heat, and fry 2 of the fillets for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
  • Transfer the fillets to a serving platter and keep warm. Repeat with remaining butter and fillets. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges.

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

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

EASY PAN-FRIED FISH FILLET



Easy Pan-Fried Fish Fillet image

This is a very easy method to make any type of fish fillets. Choose mild-flavored fish - flounder, halibut, cod, catfish, or tilapia are great candidates.

Provided by Anonymous

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Seafood Main Dish Recipes     Halibut

Time 15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 (5 ounce) mild white fish fillets
1 lemon, juiced
salt to taste
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
4 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Steps:

  • Wash fish fillets under running cold water and dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt on both sides.
  • Combine flour and Chinese five-spice powder in a shallow bowl. Dip fish fillets into the flour mixture so they are covered on both sides.
  • Heat canola and sesame oils in a large skillet over medium heat. Add fish to hot oil and pan-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully turn and continue cooking until fish flakes easily with a fork, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 306 calories, Carbohydrate 9.5 g, Cholesterol 60.8 mg, Fat 18.6 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 26.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 125.9 mg

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

CREOLE BROILED CATFISH



Creole Broiled Catfish image

This Creole broiled catfish provides a different technique to cook the fish instead of the traditional fried version. Serve with sautéed vegetables and brown rice.

Provided by Adrian Miller

Categories     Main Dish Catfish

Time 20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

8 (8 ounce) fillets catfish
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon seasoned pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder with parsley
1 tablespoon spicy seasoned salt

Steps:

  • Position a rack 5 inches below the heating element of an oven and preheat the broiler to high.
  • Rinse the fish fillets under cold running water and pat them dry. Brush both sides with oil and arrange them in a single layer on a broiler pan lined with aluminum foil.
  • Mix together the seasoned pepper, garlic powder, and seasoned salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over one side of the fish.
  • Broil for 5 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully turn the fish over. Sprinkle with the remaining spice mixture. Continue broiling until the fish is opaque in the center, 3 to 5 minutes more. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 362.1 calories, Carbohydrate 1.6 g, Cholesterol 105.3 mg, Fat 23.8 g, Protein 34.8 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 990.9 mg

Tips:

  • Use fresh catfish fillets. Fresh catfish fillets will have a firm texture and a mild flavor. Avoid fillets that are slimy or have a strong odor.
  • Season the catfish fillets well. Catfish fillets can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  • Coat the catfish fillets in a light batter. A light batter will help to keep the catfish fillets moist and tender. You can use a simple batter made from flour, eggs, and milk, or you can use a more flavorful batter made with cornmeal, breadcrumbs, or herbs.
  • Pan-fry the catfish fillets in hot oil. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the catfish fillets are added. Cook the catfish fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Serve the catfish fillets immediately. Catfish fillets are best served hot and crispy. You can serve them with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or hush puppies.

Conclusion:

Pan-fried catfish fillets are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can create a delicious catfish dish that will be the hit of your next party or gathering. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give pan-fried catfish fillets a try. You won't be disappointed!

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