Best 11 Southern Cornmeal Crusted Catfish Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes embody the essence of Southern comfort food quite like southern cornmeal crusted catfish. This classic dish, hailing from the heart of the American South, captivates taste buds with its crispy cornmeal coating, tender and flaky fish, and an array of flavorful seasonings. Whether you prefer it fried or baked, smothered in a savory sauce or served with tangy tartar sauce, southern cornmeal crusted catfish is a versatile dish that promises a memorable dining experience.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

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.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH



Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish image

To help breading adhere to the fish, pat fillets dry and coat lightly with flour before dipping in egg and dredging in cornmeal coating. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before frying.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 catfish fillets (6 ounces each)
3 tablespoons canola oil

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, combine the egg and lemon juice. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt. Dip catfish into egg mixture, then coat with cornmeal mixture., In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry fillets, two at a time, for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 430 calories, Fat 25g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 133mg cholesterol, Sodium 568mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 30g 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

FRIED CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH



Fried Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish image

For extra crispy use stone-ground yellow cornmeal. Adjust all spices to taste. I made this using large basa fillets, it was excellent!

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Catfish

Time 15m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or use red pepper)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 teaspoons seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 -12 catfish fillets
oil (for frying)

Steps:

  • In a shallow dish combine the first 6 ingredients.
  • Dredge the fillets into the mixture and coat evenly.
  • In a large cast-iron skillet or a Dutch oven pour about 2-inches of oil; heat to 350 degrees.
  • Fry the fillets in batches for about 5-6 minutes turning once until golden.
  • Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 417.4, Fat 16.6, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 145.8, Sodium 267.4, Carbohydrate 21.6, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 0.2, Protein 42.9

SPICY CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH



Spicy Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish image

Serve with a spoonful of tartar sauce and a lemon wedge on the side of each plate.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and fresh ground pepper
4 catfish fillets (8 ounces each), rinsed and patted dry
2 teaspoons canola oil

Steps:

  • On a baking sheet, mix together cornmeal, paprika, cumin, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Dredge fish in cornmeal mixture, turning to coat both sides.
  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat. Place 2 catfish fillets in the skillet, skin side up. Cook until crust is browned and fish is firm, 6 to 8 minutes on each side. If crust is starting to turn too brown, reduce heat. Transfer fish to a plate; keep warm. Wipe out skillet with a paper towel. Repeat with remaining oil and fish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 349 g, Fat 18 g, Protein 35 g

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH



Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish image

Classic seafood dinner ready in 25 minutes. Enjoy this crispy catfish coated with cornmeal - a delightful meal.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound catfish fillets, about 3/4 inch thick
1/4 cup fat-free ranch dressing
Chopped fresh parsley, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 450°. Spray broiler-pan rack with cooking spray. Mix cornmeal, bread crumbs, chili powder, paprika, garlic salt and pepper.
  • Remove and discard skin from fish. Cut fish into 4 serving pieces. Lightly brush dressing on all sides of fish. Coat fish with cornmeal mixture. Place fish on rack in broiler pan. Bake uncovered about 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 170, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 300 mg

SOUTHERN-CORNMEAL CRUSTED CATFISH WITH CRUNCHY CORN RELISH



Southern-Cornmeal Crusted Catfish With Crunchy Corn Relish image

Make and share this Southern-Cornmeal Crusted Catfish With Crunchy Corn Relish recipe from Food.com.

Provided by LMillerRN

Categories     Catfish

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup water
4 ears corn, kernels cut from the cob
1/4 cup minced red pepper
1/4 cup minced green onion
2 tablespoons half-and-half
salt and pepper
4 u.s. farm-raised catfish fillets
1/4 cup nonfat yogurt or 1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • To make Crunchy Corn Relish: Melt butter in a large skillet. Add water and corn; cover and simmer for 4 minutes. Stir in red pepper and cook for 1 additional minute. Add green onion, half-and-half, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • To make Southern Cornmeal Crusted Catfish: Stir together buttermilk or yogurt and hot sauce; brush on catfish and allow to marinate for 10 minutes. Coat catfish lightly with cornmeal and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Melt butter and olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. When skillet is hot, sauté catfish about 3 minutes on each side, turning only once, until golden and crisp. Serve with relish. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 484.7, Fat 24.8, SaturatedFat 8.9, Cholesterol 113.7, Sodium 274.9, Carbohydrate 38.6, Fiber 4.3, Sugar 6.8, Protein 30.5

CORN-CRUSTED CATFISH



Corn-Crusted Catfish image

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, weekday, main course

Time 15m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

10 ounces catfish fillet
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1 tablespoon flour
Cayenne to taste
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 slices crusty bread

Steps:

  • Wash, dry and cut catfish in half. Soak in buttermilk until ready to cook.
  • Mix cornmeal, flour and cayenne. Drain catfish and dredge.
  • Heat oil in heavy skillet. Saute catfish on both sides over medium heat in hot oil, about seven minutes total. Serve with crusty bread.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH FILLETS



Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish Fillets image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/4-cup yellow cornmeal
2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 lb. catfish fillets
1/2 to 1-1/2 tsp. original Tabasco brand pepper sauce
2 Tbs. olive oil, divided
2 Tbs. butter, divided
lemon wedges

Steps:

  • Combine cornmeal, flour and salt on large plate. Brush catfish fillets with Tabasco sauce. Press fish into cornmeal mixture to coat well on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter in 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add fillets and cook 4 minutes. With spatula, carefully turn fish. Add remaining oil and butter. Cook 4 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Garnish with lemon wedges.

PECAN-CRUSTED CATFISH



Pecan-Crusted Catfish image

Categories     Side     Low Fat     Pecan

Yield serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup pecans
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
4 skinless catfish fillets (6 ounces each), rinsed and patted dry
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
Lemon wedges (optional)
Carrot slaw with yogurt dressing
1 pound carrots, peeled
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
1/2 small white cabbage, halved crosswise and thinly sliced (5 cups)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
(serves 6)

Steps:

  • Grind the cornmeal and pecans with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a food processor until the nuts are finely ground. Transfer to a large, shallow container. Dredge the catfish in the cornmeal mixture, patting it on to coat completely.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 2 fish fillets until golden brown and firm to the touch, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer the fish to a plate; sprinkle with salt, and cover to keep warm.
  • Wipe the skillet with a paper towel. Repeat with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and fish. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
  • Carrot slaw with yogurt dressing
  • In a food processor fitted with the shredding disk (or on the large holes of a box grater), grate the carrots. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, vinegar, mustard, sugar, and onion; season with salt and pepper. Add the carrots, cabbage, and dill to the bowl; toss well. Top the mixture with a plate that fits inside the bowl; weight with a heavy object. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH



Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish image

To help breading adhere to the fish, pat fillets dry and coat lightly with flour before dipping in egg and dredging in cornmeal coating. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before frying.

Provided by Allrecipes Member

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
4 (6 ounce) fillets catfish
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, combine the egg and lemon juice. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt. Dip catfish into egg mixture, then coat with cornmeal mixture.
  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry fillets, two at a time, for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 428.4 calories, Carbohydrate 20 g, Cholesterol 125.5 mg, Fat 24.6 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 30.1 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 469.4 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

Tips:

  • For the best results, use fresh catfish fillets. If using frozen fillets, thaw them completely before cooking.
  • To make sure the catfish is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C).
  • If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • The cornmeal crust will be more flavorful if you use a coarse-ground cornmeal.
  • To get a crispy crust, make sure the catfish is coated evenly in the cornmeal mixture before frying.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the catfish. This will cause the catfish to steam instead of fry, resulting in a soggy crust.
  • Serve the catfish with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, ranch dressing, or hot sauce.

Conclusion:

Southern cornmeal-crusted catfish is a classic dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The crispy cornmeal crust and tender, flaky fish are a perfect combination. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy fish recipe, give southern cornmeal-crusted catfish a try.

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