Spicy Fried Catfish

292cd374

Crispy, golden catfish fillets with a kick of Southern spice!

Perfect for fish fry nights, backyard cookouts, or anytime you’re craving something crunchy and flavorful. This spicy fried catfish pairs beautifully with coleslaw, cornbread, or fries.

🛠️ Equipment Needed:

Cast iron skillet or deep frying pan
Tongs or slotted spatula
Mixing bowls
Wire rack or paper towels (for draining)
Thermometer (for oil temp)

📝 Ingredients:

For the Fish:

4 catfish fillets (about 1½–2 lbs total)
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Louisiana or Crystal)
Salt & black pepper (to taste)

For the Breading:

1 cup cornmeal (yellow or white)
½ cup all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste

For Frying:

Vegetable, peanut, or canola oil (enough for 2–3 inches in the pan)

⏱️ Time:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: ~45 minutes
Serves: 4

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Marinate the Catfish

In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Season fish with salt and pepper, then submerge in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).

2. Prepare the Breading

In another bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, smoked paprika, and salt/pepper.

3. Dredge the Fish

Remove fish from buttermilk (let excess drip off) and dredge in the dry mixture. Press firmly to ensure an even, thick coating. Place on a wire rack and let rest for 5–10 minutes (this helps the crust set).

4. Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a cast iron skillet or deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

5. Fry the Catfish

Carefully lower fillets into hot oil, a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Internal temp should reach 145°F (63°C).

6. Drain & Serve

Transfer fish to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Rest 2–3 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 Fillet, Approx):

Calories: ~350–400
Protein: ~25g
Carbs: ~15g
Fat: ~25g
Fiber: ~1g
Sodium: ~450mg

💡 Tips:

Don’t overcrowd the pan — this cools the oil and makes the crust soggy.
Like it extra spicy? Add more cayenne or a pinch of chili powder to the breading.
Use catfish nuggets instead of fillets for a bite-size appetizer.

🔄 Variations:

Air Fryer: Spray with oil and cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Gluten-Free: Use cornmeal and rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Blackened Catfish: Skip the breading and pan-sear fillets with Cajun spice mix instead.