Soul Food Fried Catfish (Printable)

Crispy catfish fillets seasoned with Southern spices served with a tangy remoulade sauce.

# What You Need:

→ For the Catfish

01 - 4 catfish fillets, 6 ounces each
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce
04 - 1 cup yellow cornmeal
05 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
06 - 1 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - Vegetable oil for frying

→ For the Remoulade Sauce

13 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
14 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
15 - 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
16 - 2 teaspoons hot sauce
17 - 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
18 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
19 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
20 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
21 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
22 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Add catfish fillets and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
02 - In another shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Heat approximately 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F.
04 - Remove catfish fillets from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Coat each fillet thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure even coverage.
05 - Fry fillets in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
06 - Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, horseradish, hot sauce, pickle relish, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and parsley in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Arrange hot fried catfish fillets on a plate and serve with remoulade sauce on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Classic Southern soul food with a crispy, flavorful crust and tender fish inside.
  • Zesty remoulade sauce adds a tangy, creamy complement that brightens the dish.
  • Quick preparation and cooking time—ready in just 40 minutes.
  • Perfectly balanced spice blend for a medium heat that everyone will enjoy.
  • A satisfying pescatarian main dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
02 -
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure a crispy crust without greasy texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to allow even cooking and browning.
  • Use fresh catfish fillets when possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • Mix the remoulade sauce ahead of time to let flavors meld and intensify.
  • Check all condiment labels for allergens if serving to sensitive guests.
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