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Fried catfish fillets with cornmeal coating on a white platter with lemon wedges.

Fried Catfish Recipe

Contributor: Jill Silverman Hough

An absolute Southern classic, Fried Catfish is a delicious way to enjoy fish. The meat is tender and juicy, the coating is crisp and tasty, and the recipe, quick and easy. On the side, serve tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and coleslaw, fries, or hushpuppies.

  • Author: Jill Hough
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Entrée
  • Method: Fried
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 and 1/2 to 2 lb. catfish fillets, about 1/2-in. thick
  • 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 3/4 cup cornmeal (not coarsely ground or polenta)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 and 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 and 1/2 tsp. pepper, ideally white pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. cayenne powder
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • About 3 cups neutral-flavored cooking oil for frying (see note)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, add enough oil to reach a ½-inch depth. Heat over medium heat to 350°F degrees.
  2. While the oil is heating, put a baking sheet with a wire rack (if you have one) in the oven and preheat the oven to 200°F.
  3. Put the fish in a shallow bowl or dish in an even layer and add the buttermilk. Set aside.
  4. In another shallow bowl or dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and paprika. Set aside.
  5. When the oil is hot, one at a time, remove two fillets from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess, and dredge both sides in the cornmeal mixture, shaking off any excess.
  6. Cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
  7. Transfer the cooked fish to the baking sheet in the oven and repeat with the remaining fillets.

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Notes

Note: Neutral-flavored oils include corn, sunflower, safflower, canola, and grapeseed.