Cripsy and Delicious Southern Fried Catfish Recipe

Where southern cuisine reigns supreme, this kitchen is home to some of the finest flavors. Today, an all-time favorite recipe is being shared – Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish. This dish will take taste buds on a journey down south with its crispy, golden-brown exterior and succulent, tender interior.

A Southern Culinary Influence
Growing up in the heart of the South, early exposure to the deliciousness of catfish was inevitable. As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, the pursuit of new ways to add flavor and flair to dishes is constant. Whether preferred spicy or mild, pan-fried or deep-fried, this recipe will have anyone hooked.

What Sets This Recipe Apart
Here’s what sets this recipe apart from others – it uses a combination of cornmeal and flour to give the catfish a crunchy texture, while buttermilk adds moisture and flavor. And don’t forget the secret spice blend with turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and sugar – guaranteed to make taste buds dance!

So gather round and get ready to cook up some Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish that is sure to impress. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
2. Ingredient List
3. The Recipe How-To
4. Substitutions and Variations
5. Serving and Pairing
6. Make-Ahead, Storing, and Reheating
7. Tips for Perfect Results
8. FAQ
   • Why do you soak catfish in milk before frying?
   • How do you keep fried catfish crispy?
   • What do you soak catfish in before cooking?
   • How long should you soak catfish before cooking?
9. Bottom Line
10. Nutrition Facts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked piece of catfish—crispy, golden-brown on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. This isn’t just any fried catfish; it’s Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish Recipe, guaranteed to leave taste buds buzzing with delight. A true game-changer in the world of Southern cuisine, this dish brings bold flavors and satisfying crunch to every bite.

The Perfect Blend of Spices

What makes this recipe stand out? The perfect balance of spices and herbs creates an explosion of flavor in every mouthful. The combination of cornmeal and flour delivers an irresistible crunch, making it a crowd favorite at parties, family gatherings, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Meanwhile, the buttermilk and hot sauce add a tangy, spicy kick that complements the subtle sweetness of the sugar.

Simple Yet Satisfying

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly easy to make. No need for expert cooking skills; just follow the steps, use fresh ingredients, and enjoy a mouthwatering meal in no time.

A Symbol of Southern Tradition

More than just food, this recipe embodies the warmth of Southern culture. It represents love, family, and community, where good meals bring people together. When it comes to comfort food, few dishes capture the essence of the South quite like fried catfish.

So whether you’re from the South or just love good food, Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish Recipe is sure to win you over with its bold flavors and irresistible crunch., texture, simplicity, and most importantly, its ability to bring people together around a table full of good food and great company.

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients needed to make Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish:

For the catfish fillets:

• 1 lb catfish fillets, cut into strips 1-2 inches wide and pat dry
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 3 cups yellow cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper

For the frying:

• Vegetable oil or peanut oil for deep frying

For serving:

• Hot sauce, to taste

The Recipe How-To

Now that all the ingredients have been gathered and prepared accordingly, it is time to start frying! Here’s how Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish recipe comes to life:

• Step 1: Soak the Catfish in Buttermilk
  In a large bowl, soak catfish fillets cut into strips 1 inch wide in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce for at least an hour. This will help tenderize the fish and infuse it with flavor.
• Step 2: Prepare the Coating
  In a wide bowl or a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, sugar, salt & pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated. The coating mix should be well-seasoned!
• Step 3: Coat the Fish Strips
  Working with a few pieces at a time, remove the catfish strips from the buttermilk mixture and coat them thoroughly in the flour/cornmeal mixture.
• Step 4: Heat Up the Frying Pan (or Deep Fryer)
  Heat up a frying pan with some oil for pan-fried catfish or preheat a deep fryer if deep-fried catfish is preferred. Be sure to read the deep fryer manual beforehand if using it for the first time.
• Step 5: Fry Away!
  Once the pan/deep fryer is hot enough (around 350°F), add in coated fish strips in batches. Cook until golden brown on all sides – this should take around 3-4 minutes for pan-fried and about 5-6 minutes for deep-fried catfish.
• Step 6: Drain Excess Oil
  Once cooked, place fried catfish on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
• Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
  Finally, serve Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish hot with a dipping sauce of choice. A great way to enjoy this dish is by serving the catfish dredged with seasoning and corn flour that’s deep-fried for a crispy outer layer.

Substitutions and Variations

For those looking to switch things up a bit, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to try with this Southern Fried Catfish Recipe. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Cornmeal: If yellow cornmeal is not available, regular white cornmeal can be used, or it can be substituted with all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, or Panko.
• Cayenne Pepper: To increase the heat factor, more cayenne pepper can be added or swapped out for red pepper flakes.
• Hot Sauce: Hot sauce is a classic pairing for fried catfish, but for a milder option, it can be omitted altogether or replaced with a mild sauce of choice.
• Buttermilk: If buttermilk is unavailable, it can be made by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
• Catfish Fillets: While catfish is the recommended fish for this recipe, other types of fish, such as tilapia or trout, can also be used.
• Flour Mixture: The flour mixture used in this recipe includes cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, paprika, sugar, and salt. Seasoning can be adjusted according to taste by adding more or less of each ingredient.
• Pan-Fried Catfish: While this recipe calls for deep-frying the catfish fillets in a pot of oil, pan-frying is also an option. Simply coat the fillets in the flour mixture and pan-fry them in a large skillet over medium-high heat until they are golden brown and crispy.

By making these changes or experimenting with different ingredients, a unique spin on Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish Recipe can be created. Just be sure to keep substitutions complementary to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

Serving and Pairing

Nothing beats a platter of crispy, golden-brown Southern fried catfish fillets, ready to share with family and friends. For a true Southern-style feast, pair this dish with classic sides like coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, cornbread muffins, collard greens, or mashed potatoes. Arrange the fillets on a large serving platter for the best presentation, and add fresh lemon wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.

Perfect Pairings

A cold glass of sweet tea or an ice-cold beer makes the perfect drink pairing for this dish. For a refreshing alternative, try lemonade or an Arnold Palmer. When it comes to dipping sauces, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or ketchup complement the crispy fillets beautifully. Want an extra kick? Drizzle on some Cajun hot sauce for bold Southern spice.

A Fun Twist: Fish Tacos

For a creative spin on the classic recipe, transform fried catfish into mouthwatering fish tacos. Simply fill warm tortillas with sliced fillets, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. Top them off with a dollop of sour cream and a splash of hot sauce for a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to impress.

No matter how you serve it, Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish Recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. So fire up the stove and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!

Make-Ahead, Storing, and Reheating

Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish Recipe is best served hot and crispy right out of the fryer. However, if there are leftovers or if this recipe needs to be made ahead of time, here are some helpful tips to ensure that the flavor and texture remain amazing.

Make-Ahead Preparation

To prepare the catfish fillets up to a day in advance, season them with salt, pepper, and the desired amount of cayenne pepper. Then, dip each fillet into a mixture of flour and cornmeal until it is well-coated. Place the coated fillets onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

When ready to fry, remove the fillets from the refrigerator and let them sit for a few minutes at room temperature. This step will help the fish come to room temperature, which is important for even cooking. Then, proceed with the frying instructions as indicated in steps 5 and 6 of the recipe.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

For storing leftovers or any cooked fish, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat fried catfish, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees F until it’s heated through without overcooking or losing its crispiness. This method provides even heat while preserving its texture.

Keep in Mind
The reheated fried catfish will never be as crispy as when freshly fried, but will still be delicious nevertheless.

Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish Recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals or leftovers. With just a little bit of planning and careful storage, this dish can be enjoyed anytime!

Tips for Perfect Results

Now that all the ingredients are prepared and the recipe steps are memorized, here are some tried and tested tips to achieve the perfect Southern Fried Catfish recipe.

1. Soggy breading is a no-go.
   Ensure that the catfish fillets are properly drained and patted dry before dredging in the breading mixture. Excess moisture can make the coating soggy, preventing it from turning crispy.
2. Fry in batches.
   Do not overcrowd the frying pan or deep fryer. Frying too many fillets at once will make the temperature drop, resulting in a longer cooking time and an uneven crust formation. Fry in small batches to ensure that each piece cooks evenly and has a crunchy exterior.
3. Keep it hot.
   Maintain the oil temperature between 350-375°F (180-190°C) while frying. A consistent heat level is necessary to create a nice crispy crust without burning it.
4. Use cornstarch.
   To prevent clumping of the breading mixture, add a tablespoon of cornstarch into the flour mixture. This helps to keep the coating light and airy, making it more enjoyable to eat.
5. Spice it up.
   Don’t be afraid to add extra spices or hot sauce if a bit of a kick is preferred. Sprinkle some cayenne pepper or paprika into the flour mixture for extra flavor. Hot sauce can also be drizzled onto the finished dish for additional heat.
6. Let it rest.
   After frying the catfish fillets, let them rest on a wire rack or paper towel for a few minutes before serving. This allows any excess oil to drain, keeping them crispier for longer.

Follow these simple tips, and friends and family will surely be impressed with the perfect Southern Fried Catfish recipe!

FAQ

Now, moving on to the FAQ section. Preparing Southern Fried Catfish may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, anyone can become a pro in no time! Here is a list of common questions that will help with the process. Read on!

• Why soak catfish in milk before frying?
  To get rid of any undesirable fishy flavor, soak the catfish in milk for an hour prior to cooking. The crust made from cornmeal gives the catfish a satisfyingly crispy finish. Jack’s rule of thumb for knowing when the catfish is cooked is to wait for the majority of the bubbling to cease and for the fillets to begin to levitate.
• How to keep fried catfish crispy?
  For a clever technique to drain the surplus oil from fried seafood without sacrificing its crunchiness, try using a cooling rack. Place a cooling rack over a cookie sheet and let the oil fall through onto the sheet. This way, the fish stays crispy and enjoyable for guests.
• What to soak catfish in before cooking?
  To get rid of any unwanted tastes that catfish may have, especially the muddy flavor apparent in wild-caught or some farm-raised catfish, it is suggested to immerse it in buttermilk before frying. This method eliminates most of the off-notes and works wonders in enhancing the flavor of the dish.
• How long should catfish be soaked before cooking?
  To prepare mouth-watering southern-style catfish, get fresh catfish fillets and place them in a wide bowl. Pour in some buttermilk or milk, making sure the fillets are fully submerged, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (an hour is even better!). This process enhances the flavor of the fish and ensures a delicious meal.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish Recipe delivers the bold, authentic flavors of the South straight to any kitchen. With its perfect blend of spices, crispy crust, and juicy catfish fillets, this dish is a must-try for any occasion.

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start cooking! Gather the ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy the magic of Southern cuisine. By following the detailed instructions and tips, you’ll achieve perfect results every time. Feel free to experiment with different variations to match your preferences.

Customize Your Flavor

Whether you prefer pan-fried or deep-fried catfish, a Cajun twist, or a spicy kick from hot sauce, this recipe offers plenty of options. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste and explore different dipping sauces to enhance every bite.

Perfect for Any Fish Fry

With Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish Recipe, you’ll be ready for any fish fry. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family gatherings, casual dinners, or special celebrations.

So why wait? Pick up some fresh catfish fillets today and experience this incredible recipe. Once you take that first bite, it’s sure to become a favorite in your collection. Share it with friends and family, and impress everyone with your Southern cooking skills!

Thank you for choosing Big John’s Southern Fried Catfish Recipe. Enjoy every delicious bite!