Best 6 Secret Ingredient Fried Catfish Recipes

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Craving a delectable and unique culinary experience? Look no further than the enticing world of "secret ingredient fried catfish"! Step into a realm where a hidden ingredient transforms this classic dish into an explosion of flavor. Discover the magic of herbs, spices, and unexpected additions that will leave your taste buds tantalized. With just a few simple steps, you can create a masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for more. So, let's embark on a culinary journey and uncover the secrets to making the most extraordinary fried catfish you've ever tasted.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

SECRET INGREDIENT FRIED CATFISH



Secret Ingredient Fried Catfish image

Pancake mix and carbonated water are the surprising secrets to these beautifully browned catfish fillets. Serve with coleslaw or sweet potato fries, and get ready for smiles. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 eggs
2 tablespoons carbonated water
1 cup pancake mix
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 catfish fillets (6 ounces each)
Oil for deep-fat frying

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and water. In another shallow bowl, combine the pancake mix, seasoned salt and pepper. Dip fillets in egg mixture, then coat with seasoned pancake mix., In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry fillets, a few at a time, for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 475 calories, Fat 34g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 133mg cholesterol, Sodium 386mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

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

SECRET INGREDIENT FRIED CATFISH



Secret Ingredient Fried Catfish image

Pancake mix and carbonated water are the surprising secrets to these beautifully browned catfish fillets. Serve with coleslaw or sweet potato fries, and get ready for smiles. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 eggs
2 tablespoons carbonated water
1 cup pancake mix
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 catfish fillets (6 ounces each)
Oil for deep-fat frying

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and water. In another shallow bowl, combine the pancake mix, seasoned salt and pepper. Dip fillets in egg mixture, then coat with seasoned pancake mix., In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry fillets, a few at a time, for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 475 calories, Fat 34g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 133mg cholesterol, Sodium 386mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

SECRET INGREDIENT FRIED CATFISH



Secret Ingredient Fried Catfish image

Pancake mix and carbonated water are the surprising secrets to these beautifully browned catfish fillets. Serve with coleslaw or sweet potato fries, and get ready for smiles. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 eggs
2 tablespoons carbonated water
1 cup pancake mix
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 catfish fillets (6 ounces each)
Oil for deep-fat frying

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and water. In another shallow bowl, combine the pancake mix, seasoned salt and pepper. Dip fillets in egg mixture, then coat with seasoned pancake mix., In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry fillets, a few at a time, for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 475 calories, Fat 34g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 133mg cholesterol, Sodium 386mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

JUSTIN WILSON'S FRIED CATFISH



Justin Wilson's Fried Catfish image

This batter is great on any fish, and our favorite is crappie. Hope you enjoy. The serving size and cook time are approximate because we usually just cook what we catch. You can cook as little or as much fish as you have on hand.

Provided by Nimz_

Categories     Catfish

Time 30m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

10 lbs catfish
1 cup milk
cooking oil
1 cup plain flour
2 1/2 cups cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon red cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon butter-flavored salt

Steps:

  • Soak fish in milk Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly in a bowl or bag.
  • Roll the fish in dry ingredients Fry in hot cooking oil deep enough to float the fish.
  • (Be sure grease or oil is not too hot, about 350 degrees).

FRIED CATFISH FINGERS



Fried Catfish Fingers image

Fried catfish is a Soul Food staple found not just across the South, but across America. This favorite is flaky and tender on the inside, crunchy and slightly spicy on the outside. Soaking the catfish in buttermilk for a short time adds a tangy flavor, and if you whisk in a little hot sauce you get an extra layer of heat that can't be beat!

Provided by Carla Hall

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

4 catfish fillets, cut into thick strips
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional
1 cup fine yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 teaspoon Lemon Parsley Salt (recipe follows)
1 lemon, cut into wedges
12 to 15 parsley leaves
1/2 cup kosher salt
Zest of 1 lemon

Steps:

  • Place the catfish strips in a large shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over the top (if using the hot sauce, whisk the hot sauce into the buttermilk first). Turn the strips to make sure they are coated in the buttermilk. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour.
  • Mix the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard and cayenne together in a large shallow dish.
  • Fill a large (10- or 12-inch) skillet with vegetable oil to a depth of 1/2 inch and heat over medium-high heat until very hot: A pinch of the cornmeal mixture should sizzle when it hits the oil.
  • Remove the catfish strips from the buttermilk and discard the buttermilk. Let the excess liquid drip off the strips before dredging. Dredge the catfish strips in the cornmeal mixture until evenly coated, shaking off the excess.
  • Carefully lay the first strip into the hot oil, then add as many strips as can comfortably fit into the pan without overcrowding; you want to keep an inch or so of space between each piece. Fry the strips until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side, then transfer the strips to a wire rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining strips, adding more oil if necessary (be sure to reheat the oil if you add more).
  • Sprinkle the catfish fingers with Lemon Parsley Salt and serve with lemon wedges.
  • Place the parsley leaves on a plate covered with a paper towel. Microwave on medium-high heat in 30-second intervals until the parsley dries out (but retains color), about 2 minutes depending on your microwave.
  • Blend the salt with the lemon zest and parsley leaves in a spice grinder or blender until fine. Makes about 1/3 cup.

Tips:

  • Choose the right catfish: Select fresh, firm catfish fillets with no signs of discoloration or off odors.
  • Season the catfish well: Use a flavorful blend of spices and herbs to enhance the taste of the catfish. Some popular options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
  • Use a light batter: A light batter will help the catfish fry up crispy without being too heavy.
  • Fry the catfish in hot oil: The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the catfish is added. This will help create a crispy crust.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: Make sure to leave enough space between the catfish fillets so that they can fry evenly.
  • Cook the catfish until it is golden brown: The catfish should be cooked through but not overcooked. Overcooked catfish will be tough and dry.

Conclusion:

Fried catfish is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you serve it with tartar sauce, coleslaw, or your favorite sides, fried catfish is sure to be a hit. With its crispy crust and tender, flaky interior, fried catfish is a classic Southern dish that is loved by people of all ages.

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