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
- In a large skillet, add enough oil to reach a ½-inch depth. Heat over medium heat to 350°F degrees.
- 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.
- Put the fish in a shallow bowl or dish in an even layer and add the buttermilk. Set aside.
- In another shallow bowl or dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and paprika. Set aside.
- 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.
- Cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
- 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.