Spicy Fried Catfish

🌶️ Spicy Fried Catfish Recipe

🐟 Ingredients:

For the fish:

• 4 catfish fillets

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional but recommended)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the breading:

• 1 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind)

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1½ tsp paprika

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

For frying:

• Vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil works well), for deep or shallow frying

🔥 Instructions:

1. Marinate the Fish:

   • In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.

   • Add the catfish fillets, making sure they’re fully coated.

   • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Breading:

   • In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, flour, and all spices (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper).

3. Bread the Catfish:

   • Remove fillets from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.

   • Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides thoroughly.

   • Let sit for 5 minutes to help the crust set.

4. Fry:

   • Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).

   • Fry catfish in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

   • Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate or wire rack.

5. Serve:

   • Serve hot with lemon wedges, spicy remoulade, or tartar sauce. Pair with coleslaw, hush puppies, or a side of hot sauce.

💡 Tips:

• For extra heat, sprinkle a little cayenne into the buttermilk marinade.

• Want even crispier fish? Double-dip: dunk fillets in buttermilk again and re-coat with the cornmeal mix before frying.

Want a version that’s gluten-free or air-fried? I can provide those too.