20 Southern Fried Catfish Breading Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Apr 13, 2024
The crispy, flavorful breading on southern fried catfish is what makes this dish a beloved staple in the southern United States. With a perfect balance of spices and a satisfying crunch, this recipe will have your taste buds singing. Here's how to make your own southern fried catfish breading that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Nothing says Southern comfort food quite like a plate of crispy, golden fried catfish. This classic dish is a staple in many Southern kitchens, and for good reason – it's simple, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. Here are 19 mouth-watering recipes for crispy Southern-fried catfish that are sure to become family favorites.
This recipe keeps it simple with a traditional cornmeal breading and a touch of Cajun seasoning for a little extra kick. Serve with your favorite sides for a classic Southern meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried catfish, this recipe is for you. The catfish is coated in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal, then baked in the oven for a crispy, flavorful dish that won't leave you feeling guilty.
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Spicy Southern Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Catfish, Self Rising Flour, Yellow Cornmeal, Hot Sauce
This recipe adds a little heat to the classic Southern dish with the addition of hot sauce and cayenne pepper. The result is a perfectly crispy and spicy catfish that will warm you up from the inside out.
This recipe takes a cue from traditional Southern fried chicken by using a buttermilk marinade to tenderize the catfish before frying. The result is a super moist and tender catfish that is bursting with flavor.
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Fried Catfish…Yummy Yums
Main Ingredients: Catfish, Milk, Hot Sauce, Cornmeal, Flour, Salt, Black
For a truly indulgent version of Southern-fried catfish, try this recipe which coats the catfish in a rich beer batter before frying. The result is an incredibly crispy and flavorful catfish that is perfect for a special occasion.
If you're a fan of multicultural cuisine, this recipe combines Southern fried catfish with a tangy Asian-inspired sauce for a unique and delicious twist. The catfish is coated in a mixture of cornmeal and flour, then served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce for a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Cajun Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Catfish Fillets, Buttermilk, Vegetable Oil, Cornmeal
If you love the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine, this recipe is a must-try. The catfish is coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning before being fried to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and zesty dish that will have your taste buds dancing.
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Air Fried Catfish Nuggets With Greek Yogurt Remoulade
Main Ingredients: Water, Kosher Salt, Catfish, Pecans, Flour, Cajun
For a healthier twist on the classic Southern dish, try these air-fried catfish nuggets. They are coated in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal, then served with a tangy Greek yogurt remoulade for a light and refreshing meal.
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Restaurant-Quality Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Catfish, Vegetable, Cornmeal, Buttermilk, Cayenne
If you want to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is for you. The catfish is coated in a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs and cornmeal, then fried to perfection for a crispy and flavorful dish that will rival any restaurant's version.
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Southern-style Catfish With Dirty Rice
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Salt, Red Bell Pepper, Sliced, Catfish
This recipe combines two classic Southern dishes into one delicious meal. The catfish is coated in a spicy cornmeal breading and served with a side of flavorful dirty rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
This recipe keeps it simple with a traditional buttermilk marinade and a cornmeal breading for a classic and delicious Southern-fried catfish. Serve with your favorite sides for a comforting and nostalgic meal.
If you prefer to serve your catfish whole, this recipe is a must-try. The whole catfish is coated in a mixture of flour and cornmeal and fried to perfection for a crispy and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.
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Deep Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Catfish, Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Lemon
If you're looking for a classic and no-fuss recipe for Southern-fried catfish, this is it. The catfish is coated in a simple cornmeal breading and fried to perfection for a crunchy and satisfying dish that is perfect for any day of the week.
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Southern-Style Corn Meal Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil, Catfish Fillets, White Lily R
This recipe adds a touch of sweetness to the classic Southern dish by using a cornmeal and honey breading for the catfish. The result is a crispy and sweet catfish that is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth.
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Grace Meat & Three's Fried Catfish Nuggets
Main Ingredients: Busch Beer, Garlic Powder, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful twist on Southern-fried catfish, try this recipe which coats the catfish nuggets in a mixture of cornmeal, panko, and parmesan cheese for a crunchy and savory dish that will have everyone begging for seconds.
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Classic Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Hot Sauce, Catfish Fillets, Canola Oil
This recipe keeps it simple with a traditional cornmeal and flour breading for the catfish, resulting in a classic and delicious Southern-fried dish that will never go out of style.
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Fried Catfish With Tartar Sauce
Main Ingredients: Sweet Pickle Relish, Yellow Onion, Lemon Juice, Kosher
Tartar sauce is a classic accompaniment to any fried fish dish, and this recipe takes it up a notch by adding pickles and mustard for a tangy and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with crispy Southern-fried catfish.
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Cornmeal Catfish with Green Goddess Dressing
Main Ingredients: Buttermilk, Dill Pickle Juice, Crystal Hot Sauce
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your fried catfish dish, try this recipe which serves the catfish on a bed of fresh greens and a tangy green goddess dressing for a light and refreshing meal that is perfect for any occasion.
The Secret to Perfect Breading
The Importance of Cornmeal
Cornmeal is the key ingredient in traditional southern fried catfish breading. Its coarse texture adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness to the breading. Make sure to use stone-ground cornmeal for the best results. This type of cornmeal is made by grinding whole dried corn kernels, giving it a more flavorful and authentic taste.
Adding Flavor with Spices
In addition to cornmeal, the breading for southern fried catfish also includes a blend of spices that give it that signature southern flavor. Some commonly used spices include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Feel free to adjust the amounts of each spice to suit your personal taste preference.
The Breading Process
1. Dredge in Flour
Before adding the breading, it's important to first dredge the catfish fillets in all-purpose flour. This helps the breading stick to the fish and creates a crispy outer layer.
2. Dip in Egg Mixture
Next, dip the flour-coated fillets in an egg and milk mixture. This helps the breading stick and adds some moisture to the fish, keeping it tender and juicy.
3. Coat in Cornmeal Mixture
Finally, coat the fillets in the cornmeal and spice mixture. Make sure to press the breading into the fish to ensure it sticks well.
Tips for Perfectly Fried Catfish
Use a Cast Iron Skillet
For the best results, use a cast iron skillet to fry your catfish. It distributes heat evenly and helps create a perfectly crispy crust.
Fry in Hot Oil
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fish. The ideal temperature for frying catfish is between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. If the oil is not hot enough, the breading will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan
To ensure the catfish cooks evenly, do not overcrowd the pan. Fry the fillets in batches if necessary.
Now that you have the perfect southern fried catfish breading recipe, it's time to gather your ingredients and start frying! Trust us, once you try this recipe, you'll never want to go back to store-bought breading again. Enjoy!
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