Fried Catfish

Name: Fried Catfish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 3/4 cup buttermilk; 3/4 cup white cornmeal; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 6 catfish fillets (6 ounces each); Oil for deep-fat frying

Total Time Prep Time: 20 min. Cook Time: 15 min.

Yield 6 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Fried catfish is a Southern staple that can be enjoyed anywhere. The golden-brown, cornmeal-crusted fish is easy to make and pairs perfectly with our Cajun-spiced aioli and your favorite sides.

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup white cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
6 catfish fillets (6 ounces each)
Oil for deep-fat frying

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients; cover and refrigerate until serving.
Place buttermilk in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine cornmeal, flour and seasonings. Dip fish in buttermilk, then coat with cornmeal mixture.
In a deep skillet, heat 1 in. oil to 375°. Fry fillets, a few at a time, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Drain on paper towels. Serve with aioli.

Nutrition Facts

1 filet with 3 tablespoons aioli: 754 calories, 56g fat (8g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 916mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.

My son told me he once had fried catfish with Cajun aioli, so I set out to re-create it for him. It was a huge hit with him and my husband. The aioli is also great as a dip for sweet potato fries. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire

Recipe Creator

Community Cook