READY IN 30 mins

Southern Fried Catfish

Read Reviews (29)

"Fried catfish is a Southern tradition, along with buttermilk hush puppies and buttermilk coleslaw. Try these traditional foods together." — Mama Smith

Directions

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.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 20 mins
COOK 10 mins
READY IN 30 mins

Footnotes

Editor's Note
The nutritional analysis for this recipe reflects an estimated 10% of the oil for frying as well as the full amount of the coating and breading. Therefore, the values represented may not be accurate.

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Apr 27, 2009

I personally hate fish of any kind but my boyfriend is a huge fried catfish fan. He said it was the best fried catfish he has ever had! The trick is after you bread the fish let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This way you wwill not have problems with the breading falling off!

—~*Ash*~

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Jul 02, 2007

2 minutes into frying, the batter came off the catfish. Maybe an egg in the buttermilk mixture would help. (I usually use whole milk and egg)

—Abby Smith

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38 Ratings

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Feb 08, 2010

This was a very easy recipe, It was de-licious- !, I didnt have the buttermilk, just used regular, and it still was a hit at the dinner table

—reddgurl2005

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Sep 14, 2010

The breading was crisp, stayed on the fish and the fish was flaky. The only draw back was it was a bit bland. We were expecting a little more zing with the Old Bay, but it didn't deliver. Being from the South ourselves, we were a bit disappointed.

—loveyummies

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Apr 11, 2008

This was really good. The catfish turned out nice and crispy. My whole family enjoyed this recipe. I wouldn't change the recipe at all.

—chagerott

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Mar 21, 2011

Batter stayed on the fish which was a plus, but the recipe lacked flavor. Next time I will triple the bay seasoning.

—wmsmom

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Jan 25, 2010

this diffantly works but i also suggest adding an egg wash to the buttermilk and water mixture and make sure your grease is hot enough

—crystle

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Dec 09, 2011

So GOOD! The fish was perfectly flavored and was so yummy ..a great southern classic!

—Taranoelle

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Nutrition

Calories
1428 kcal
71%

Carbohydrates
131.6 g
42%

Cholesterol
145 mg
48%

Fat
78.6 g
121%

Fiber
6 g
24%

Protein
45.8 g
92%

Sodium
917 mg
37%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Southern Fried Catfish

Serving Size: 1/2 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 2
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 1428
Calories from Fat: 708

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 78.6g 121 %
Saturated Fat 13.2g 66 %
Cholesterol 145mg 48 %
Sodium 917mg 37 %
Potassium 906mg 25 %
Total Carbohydrates 131.6g 42 %
Dietary Fiber 6g 24 %
Protein 45.8g 92 %
** Sugars 5.9g
** Vitamin A 8 %
** Vitamin C 2 %
** Calcium 22 %
** Iron 89 %
** Thiamin 101 %
** Niacin 115 %
** Vitamin B6 36 %
** Magnesium 38 %
** Folate 171 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.