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5.0 from 51 votes

Southern Fried Catfish

Simple, crispy, cornmeal-crusted Southern fried catfish is ready in about 20 minutes!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 222 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 catfish fillets (about 3-4 ounces each)
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (I use Lawry's brand)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • Optional garnish: lemon wedges and fresh parsley

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine cornmeal, seasoned salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Pour milk into a separate dish.
  2. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Dip a catfish fillet in the milk, and shake off any excess. Transfer milk-soaked fish to the cornmeal mixture and gently roll to coat on both sides. Repeat with remaining fillets.
  4. Place fish in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on each side (about 5-7 minutes per side). The fish will flake easily with a fork when it’s done. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the fish in batches.  Don't overcrowd the skillet! Feel free to wipe out the pan and use additional butter/oil, as necessary, for subsequent batches.
  5. Drain fish on paper towels. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a lemon wedge, if desired.

Notes

  • Shake off the excess milk and cornmeal each time you dredge the fish to make sure that you just have a light coating on each piece.
  • Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to fry the fish in batches so that you don't overcrowd the pan. This will keep the oil at a steady temperature and will ensure crispy (rather than soggy) fish fillets.
  • Serve the fried catfish with lemon wedges and a fresh parsley garnish for a bright finishing touch.
  • Season the catfish with additional kosher salt and ground black pepper, if desired, while the fish is still warm.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1(4 ounce) fillet Calories 222kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 5.9g (2%) Protein 14.7g (29%) Fat 15.8g (24%) Saturated Fat 4.1g (21%) Cholesterol 36.7mg (12%) Sodium 659.3mg (27%) Fiber 0.6g (2%) Sugar 0.1g (0%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 222

% Daily Value*

Serving 1(4 ounce) fillet
Calories 222kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 5.9g 2%
Protein 14.7g 29%
Fat 15.8g 24%
Saturated Fat 4.1g 21%
Cholesterol 36.7mg 12%
Sodium 659.3mg 27%
Fiber 0.6g 2%
Sugar 0.1g 0%

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