Absolutely! Let’s keep this super simple and beginner-friendly 😊
Here’s a step-by-step Fried Catfish recipe that anyone can follow.
Fried Catfish Recipe (Beginner Step-by-Step Guide)
🐟 Ingredients (Simple & Easy)
You will need:
- 2–3 catfish fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional but tasty)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk or regular milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Clean the Catfish
- Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water.
- Pat them dry using paper towels.
- This helps the coating stick better.
Step 2: Soak in Milk
- Place the catfish fillets in a bowl.
- Pour the milk or buttermilk over them.
- Let them soak for 10–15 minutes.
👉 This removes any fishy smell and makes the fish tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix:
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Mix everything well.
Step 4: Coat the Catfish
- Remove one fillet from the milk and let excess drip off.
- Place it in the cornmeal mixture.
- Press gently so both sides are fully coated.
- Repeat for all fillets.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
- Pour oil into a deep frying pan (about 1 inch deep).
- Heat over medium heat.
- The oil is ready when a small pinch of cornmeal sizzles.
⚠️ Don’t overheat the oil or the fish will burn.
Step 6: Fry the Catfish
- Carefully place the coated fillets into the hot oil.
- Do NOT overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Flip once when the bottom is golden brown.
Step 7: Drain the Oil
- Remove the fried catfish and place on paper towels.
- This removes excess oil.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with lemon wedges.
- Great with fries, coleslaw, or rice.
Beginner Tips 👍
- If the fish browns too fast, lower the heat.
- Always flip gently to avoid breaking the fish.
- Fresh oil gives the best flavor.
Final Result
✔ Crispy outside
✔ Soft and juicy inside
✔ Perfect for beginners
