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+ servings

Southern Fish Fry

This crispy, golden catfish recipe brings Southern charm straight to your dinner table. It's soaked in buttermilk, dredged in seasoned cornmeal, and fried to perfection. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite fixins!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 catfish fillets
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Pat the catfish fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish and soak the fish for about 10 minutes.
  • In another bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
  • Remove each fillet from the buttermilk and dredge in the cornmeal mixture until fully coated.
  • Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry the fillets in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Transfer the fish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Pair with coleslaw, hush puppies, or a big scoop of potato salad for a truly Southern feast. For extra zing, try serving with hot sauce or a side of remoulade.
Keyword catfish, fish fry, Southern Cooking
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