17 Southern Fried Catfish Recipe Sides They're Simply Irresistible!

Published on: Apr 13, 2024

When it comes to Southern cuisine, one dish that reigns supreme is fried catfish. This beloved comfort food has been a staple in the South for generations, and for good reason. The crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside make for a delicious and satisfying meal. But what many may not realize is that the sides served alongside this classic dish are just as important. In this article, we'll explore some of the best sides to pair with a southern fried catfish recipe, taking your meal to the next level.

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Southern Fried Cabbage

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Cabbage, Onion, Garlic, Onion Powder, Paprika

Southern Fried Cabbage With Sausage - This Ole Mom

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Southern Fried Cabbage is a traditional side dish that is often served alongside BBQ dishes. But why not take it to the next level by incorporating it into your Beer Can Chicken? Simply stuff the cabbage into the cavity of the chicken and let it cook for a delicious and unique twist on this classic dish.

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Southern Fried Corn

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Corn, Salt, Pepper, Sugar, Milk, Butter

Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe - Cooked by Julie

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Another Southern favorite, Fried Corn, can also be used as a stuffing for your Beer Can Chicken. The corn will release its sweet juices as it cooks, infusing the chicken with amazing flavor. This is a great way to elevate the flavors of your BBQ feast.

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Southern Fried Okra

Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika

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Classic Southern Fried Okra with Cornmeal - Pinch me, I'm eating

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Okra is a staple in Southern cuisine, and it can also be used to stuff your Beer Can Chicken. The okra will become tender and flavorful as it cooks alongside the chicken, making for a unique and tasty dish.

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Southern Fried Cabbage

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Butter, Sweet Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Cabbage

If you want to keep things simple, you can't go wrong with a classic Southern Fried Cabbage stuffing for your Beer Can Chicken. The cabbage will become tender and slightly charred as it cooks, adding a delicious texture and flavor to the chicken.

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Cajun Southern Fried Corn

Main Ingredients: Sweet Corn, Butter, Chicken Stock, Cajun Seasoning

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For a little extra kick, try using Cajun seasonings in your Fried Corn stuffing. This will add a spicy and flavorful element to your Beer Can Chicken, perfect for those who love a little heat in their dishes.

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Southern Fried Squash

Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Zucchini Squash, Self Rising Flour

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Squash is another versatile vegetable that can be used as a stuffing for Beer Can Chicken. Whether you use yellow squash, zucchini, or a combination of both, it will add a delicious and unique flavor to your dish.

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Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

Main Ingredients: Green Tomatoes, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Eggs, Panko

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Fried Green Tomatoes are a classic Southern dish, and they can also be used to stuff your Beer Can Chicken. The tangy and crispy tomatoes will add a burst of flavor to the chicken, making for a delicious and unique dish.

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Southern Cornbread Dressing

Main Ingredients: Cornbread, Medium Onion, Celery, Butter, Condensed

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If you want to take your Beer Can Chicken to the next level, try using a Southern Cornbread Dressing as a stuffing. The dressing will become perfectly moist and flavorful as it cooks alongside the chicken, resulting in a delicious and unique dish.

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Southern Fried Cabbage with Onions

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Medium Onion, Garlic, Cabbage, Sea

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For a little extra flavor and texture, try adding some onions to your Fried Cabbage stuffing. The onions will caramelize as they cook, adding a delicious and sweet flavor to the chicken.

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Southern Collard Greens

Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Kosher Salt

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Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and they can also be used as a stuffing for Beer Can Chicken. The greens will become tender and flavorful as they cook, making for a delicious and unique dish.

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Cauliflower Local Jollof Rice

Main Ingredients: Riced Cauliflower, Palm Oil, Crayfish, Seeds, Catfish

Nutritious Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice - Wholesomelicious

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Jollof Rice is a popular West African dish, and it can also be used as a stuffing for Beer Can Chicken. For a healthier twist, try using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. The spices and flavors will still infuse the chicken, resulting in a delicious and unique dish.

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Classic Southern Collard Greens

Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Water, Smoked Ham Hock, Chicken

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If you prefer a more traditional stuffing for your Beer Can Chicken, you can't go wrong with Classic Southern Collard Greens. The greens will become tender and flavorful as they cook, making for a delicious and comforting dish.

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Southern Cabbage

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Onion, Cabbage, College Inn Chicken Broth

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If you want to keep things simple, you can never go wrong with using Southern Cabbage as a stuffing for your Beer Can Chicken. The cabbage will become tender and flavorful as it cooks, making for a delicious and comforting dish.

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Southern Squash Casserole

Main Ingredients: Squash, Onion, Butter, Sour Cream, Seasoning, Cheddar

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Squash Casserole is a classic Southern side dish, and it can also be used to stuff your Beer Can Chicken. The casserole will become perfectly moist and flavorful as it cooks alongside the chicken, resulting in a unique and delicious dish.

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Fried Green Tomatoes

Main Ingredients: Green Tomatoes, Salt, All Purpose Flour, Paprika, Dry

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For a twist on the classic Fried Green Tomatoes, try using them as a stuffing for your Beer Can Chicken. The tangy and crispy tomatoes will add a burst of flavor to the chicken, making for a delicious and unique dish.

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Southern Cooked Cabbage

Main Ingredients: Butter, Bacon, Medium Onion, Garlic, Chicken Stock

Southern Cabbage made with College Inn broth spicysouthernkitchen.com ...

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If you prefer your cabbage to be more tender and flavorful, try cooking it before stuffing it into your Beer Can Chicken. This will result in a softer and more flavorful cabbage, making for a delicious and unique dish.

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Southern Baked Candied Yams

Main Ingredients: Yams, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Ground

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Candied Yams are a classic Southern side dish, and they can also be used to stuff your Beer Can Chicken. The sweet and sticky yams will add a unique and flavorful twist to your dish.

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Pan-fried Black-eyed Peas

Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Smoked

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Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cuisine, and they can also be used as a stuffing for Beer Can Chicken. The peas will become tender and flavorful as they cook alongside the chicken, making for a delicious and unique dish.

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Southern Green Beans

Main Ingredients: Green Beans, White Onion, Garlic Clove, Smoked Sausage

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Green beans are a classic side dish in Southern cuisine, and they can also be used to stuff your Beer Can Chicken. The beans will become perfectly tender and flavorful as they cook, making for a delicious and comforting dish.

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Southern Style "Fried" Catfish and Green Beans

Main Ingredients: Fresh Green Beans, Nonstick Cooking Spray, Light Brown

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If you want to add some seafood to your BBQ feast, try using fried catfish and green beans as a stuffing for your Beer Can Chicken. The catfish will add a unique and delicious flavor to the chicken, making for a tasty and memorable dish.

Collard Greens

A quintessential Southern side, collard greens are the perfect accompaniment to a southern fried catfish recipe. The bitterness of the greens pairs well with the rich and savory flavors of the catfish, creating a well-balanced meal. To prepare collard greens, simply sauté them with onion, garlic, and a touch of vinegar for a tangy twist. Collard greens are also packed with nutrients, making them a healthy addition to your meal.

Mac and Cheese

It's no secret that mac and cheese is a crowd favorite, and it's no different when it comes to pairing it with southern fried catfish. The creamy and cheesy goodness of mac and cheese is the perfect contrast to the crispy and salty catfish. To take it up a notch, add some jalapeños for a spicy kick or breadcrumbs for added texture. No matter how you prepare it, mac and cheese is a must-have side for your fried catfish meal.

Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that is often served with fried fish. These savory balls of cornmeal are the perfect complement to a southern fried catfish recipe. They are crunchy on the outside, yet soft and fluffy on the inside, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. For added flavor, try mixing in some bacon bits or green onions before frying.

Coleslaw

Last but not least, coleslaw is a refreshing and tangy side that pairs perfectly with fried catfish. The cool and crunchy texture of the slaw helps balance out the richness of the fried fish. Plus, the acidity in the dressing helps cut through the oiliness, making for a well-rounded meal. For a twist on traditional coleslaw, try adding apples or cranberries for a hint of sweetness. In conclusion, a southern fried catfish recipe is not complete without the perfect sides to accompany it. Whether you choose collard greens, mac and cheese, hush puppies, coleslaw, or all of the above, these sides will take your fried catfish meal to the next level. So next time you're craving this classic Southern dish, don't forget to add some delicious sides to complete the meal.