Description
Celebrate freedom with this authentic Southern fried catfish featuring a golden cornmeal crust and tender, flaky fish inside. Ready in just 30 minutes, this traditional Juneteenth dish brings heritage and flavor to your celebration table.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound catfish fillets, cut into strips
- 1½ cups fine cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (like Old Bay™)
- 1 quart vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined. Pour into a flat pan.
- Arrange catfish strips in the buttermilk mixture, turning each piece to coat thoroughly. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Combine cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning in a 2-gallon resealable bag. Shake well to distribute evenly.
- Heat oil in your deep fryer to 365°F. Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Add catfish strips to the cornmeal mixture, working with 3-4 pieces at a time. Seal and shake gently.
- Carefully lower coated fish into hot oil. Fry for 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy for best results.
Notes
- Pat catfish dry before marinating to help the coating stick better and reduce oil splatter
- Don’t skip the marinating time – even 15 minutes makes a noticeable difference in tenderness
- Test oil temperature with a small piece of bread – it should sizzle immediately but not burn
- Keep finished batches warm in a 200°F oven while frying remaining fish
- Season immediately after frying while the coating is still hot for better flavor absorption
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Southern fried catfish, cornmeal crusted fish, Juneteenth celebration food, buttermilk marinated catfish, crispy catfish recipe, traditional Southern fish fry, holiday catfish dish