19 Southern Catfish Fry Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Apr 10, 2024
For those looking to add a touch of Southern flavor to their next meal, look no further than a classic catfish fry. This beloved dish has been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations, and for good reason. With its crispy coating and tender, flaky fish on the inside, catfish fry is a crowd-pleasing favorite that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a delicious and easy meal to make at home, this southern catfish fry recipe is sure to impress. So get ready to turn up the heat and fry up some mouth-watering catfish that will have your taste buds singing.
The first recipe on our list is a classic Southern-style fried catfish. The key to achieving the perfect Southern fried catfish is in the breading. This recipe calls for a mixture of cornmeal, flour, and spices to give the catfish a perfect crunch. And of course, using a beer can to help keep the fish moist and tender is the secret ingredient that takes this dish to the next level.
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Spicy Southern Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Catfish, Self Rising Flour, Yellow Cornmeal, Hot Sauce
If you like a little kick in your food, then this recipe is for you. By adding some cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the breading mixture, you'll get a spicy and flavorful fried catfish that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Serve it with some homemade tartar sauce for the ultimate Southern experience.
Another variation of the classic Southern fried catfish, this recipe uses a buttermilk marinade to add some extra flavor and tenderness to the fish. The buttermilk also helps to create a delicious crust on the outside of the catfish. And of course, don't forget to use a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying.
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Fried Catfish…Yummy Yums
Main Ingredients: Catfish, Milk, Hot Sauce, Cornmeal, Flour, Salt, Black
This recipe puts a fun twist on traditional fried catfish by using crushed potato chips as the breading. The result is a super crispy and flavorful catfish that will have your taste buds dancing. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the secret to achieving the perfect texture.
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Southern-style Catfish With Dirty Rice
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Salt, Red Bell Pepper, Sliced, Catfish
If you want to take your fried catfish to the next level, try pairing it with some dirty rice. This recipe combines the traditional Southern fried catfish with a flavorful Cajun dirty rice, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the key to a perfectly cooked catfish.
If you're looking for a recipe that's perfect for feeding a crowd, this Southern fish fry is the way to go. This recipe uses a buttermilk marinade and a seasoned cornmeal breading to create a delicious and crowd-pleasing fried catfish. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the secret to achieving the perfect texture.
If you want to switch things up a bit, this recipe uses a mixture of catfish and tilapia for a delicious and unique twist on traditional fried catfish. The tilapia adds a mild flavor and a flaky texture, making it the perfect complement to the more robust catfish. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the key to achieving a perfectly cooked fish.
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Cajun Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Catfish Fillets, Buttermilk, Vegetable Oil, Cornmeal
Cajun cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and this recipe for Cajun fried catfish is no exception. The catfish is coated in a flavorful Cajun seasoning and then fried to perfection. Serve it with some homemade remoulade sauce for a true taste of the South. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the secret to achieving the perfect texture.
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Air Fried Catfish Nuggets With Greek Yogurt Remoulade
Main Ingredients: Water, Kosher Salt, Catfish, Pecans, Flour, Cajun
If you're trying to watch your calorie intake, this air-fried catfish nugget recipe is the perfect option. The catfish is coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and then air-fried to crispy perfection. And the homemade Greek yogurt remoulade adds the perfect touch of tanginess to the dish. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the secret to achieving a perfectly cooked fish.
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Okro Soup (West African Okra Soup)
Main Ingredients: Meat, Bouillon Powder, Black Pepper, Onion, Salt, Okra
If you're looking to switch things up a bit, this West African-inspired okro soup is the perfect option. This hearty soup is made with catfish, okra, and a variety of spices and vegetables. It's a delicious and unique way to enjoy catfish, and using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
This recipe takes the classic Southern fried catfish to the next level by adding a crispy cornmeal crust to the fish. The result is a perfectly crispy and flavorful catfish that will have you coming back for seconds. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the secret to achieving the perfect texture.
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Okro Soup (African Okra Soup)
Main Ingredients: Meat, Bouillon Powder, Black Pepper, Onion, Salt, Okra
This version of okro soup is more traditional to West African cuisine and uses a variety of spices and vegetables to create a rich and flavorful broth. The catfish adds a delicious protein to the dish, and using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying adds an extra layer of flavor to the soup.
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Creole Catfish with Maque Choux
Main Ingredients: Neutral Cooking Oil, Catfish, Melted Butter, Creole
Maque choux is a traditional Cajun side dish made with corn, peppers, and onions. In this recipe, it's paired with a Creole-style catfish to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the secret to achieving the perfect texture.
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Restaurant-Quality Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Catfish, Vegetable, Cornmeal, Buttermilk, Cayenne
If you want to recreate the taste of a restaurant-quality fried catfish at home, this recipe is for you. With a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a perfectly seasoned breading, this catfish is sure to impress. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the key to achieving a perfectly cooked fish.
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B.B. King's Blues Club Southern-Style Catfish
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Catfish Fillets, Egg, Milk, Cornmeal, All
This recipe is inspired by the famous B.B. King's Blues Club, and it's sure to be a hit at your next dinner party. The catfish is coated in a flavorful cornmeal and flour mixture and then fried to crispy perfection. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the secret to achieving the perfect texture.
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Southern-Style Oven-Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Catfish Fillets, Cornmeal, Creole
If you want to enjoy the delicious taste of fried catfish without all the oil and mess, this oven-fried catfish recipe is the way to go. The catfish is coated in a flavorful cornmeal and breadcrumb mixture and then baked to crispy perfection. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the key to achieving a perfectly cooked fish.
This recipe takes a whole catfish and fries it to crispy perfection. The key to achieving a moist and flavorful whole catfish is to use a beer can to help keep it moist while it's frying. Serve it with some homemade remoulade sauce for the ultimate Southern experience.
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Deep Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Catfish, Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Lemon
This recipe is perfect for those who love a good, old-fashioned deep-fried catfish. The catfish is coated in a seasoned flour mixture and then fried until golden brown and crispy. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the secret to achieving the perfect texture.
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Cornmeal Catfish with Green Goddess Dressing
Main Ingredients: Buttermilk, Dill Pickle Juice, Crystal Hot Sauce
This recipe puts a unique twist on traditional fried catfish by pairing it with a flavorful and tangy green goddess dressing. The catfish is coated in a cornmeal and breadcrumb mixture and then fried to perfection. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the key to achieving a perfectly cooked fish.
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Southern-Style Corn Meal Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil, Catfish Fillets, White Lily R
This recipe is all about simplicity and classic flavors. The catfish is coated in a simple cornmeal mixture and then fried to perfection. Serve it with some homemade tartar sauce for a true taste of the South. And of course, using a beer can to keep the fish moist while it's frying is the secret to achieving the perfect texture.
Ingredients You'll Need
1. Fresh Catfish Fillets
When it comes to making the perfect catfish fry, using fresh fillets is key. Not only will they have a better flavor and texture, but they will also cook more evenly. Look for fillets that are firm and have a light pink color, as this indicates they are fresh.
2. Cornmeal
Cornmeal is the star ingredient in this recipe, giving the catfish that signature crispy coating. Be sure to use fine ground cornmeal for the best results.
3. Seasonings
To add some extra flavor, you'll need a blend of spices and herbs. This can include garlic powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme, but feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
4. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a key ingredient in Southern cooking, and it plays a crucial role in this recipe. The acidity in the buttermilk helps tenderize the fish and adds a tangy flavor.
5. Vegetable Oil
For frying, you'll need a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.
How to Make Southern Catfish Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Catfish
Begin by rinsing the catfish fillets and patting them dry. Cut them into smaller pieces if needed, and season them with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Create the Dredge
In a shallow dish, mix together the cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. This will be the dredge for the catfish.
Step 3: Soak in Buttermilk
In a separate dish, pour the buttermilk over the catfish fillets, making sure they are fully coated. Let them soak in the buttermilk for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 4: Coat in Dredge
Remove the catfish from the buttermilk and coat each piece in the dredge mixture, pressing it onto the fish to ensure it sticks.
Step 5: Fry the Catfish
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the catfish fillets to the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the catfish is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the deliciousness of Southern catfish fry.
Now that you have the perfect southern catfish fry recipe, it's time to gather your ingredients and get frying. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to Southern cooking, this dish is easy to make and will have everyone coming back for seconds. So why wait? Grab your apron and get ready to impress with this mouth-watering catfish fry.
