Fewq dishes capture the heart of Southern cooking quite like fried catfish. Golden and crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, this recipe has been passed down through generations across the South. Whether served at a family fish fry, a roadside diner, or straight from grandma’s kitchen, fried catfish is comfort food at its finest.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a cast-iron skillet, you can recreate this Southern classic at home. The secret? A quick buttermilk soak to keep the fish tender and a cornmeal coating that fries up beautifully crisp.
Why This Recipe Works
✨ Authentic Southern Flavor — cornmeal gives the fish its signature crunch.
✨ Quick & Easy — just soak, dredge, and fry.
✨ Family Favorite — pairs perfectly with hushpuppies, coleslaw, or fries.
Ingredients
1 pound catfish fillets
½ cup buttermilk
1 cup cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika Vegetable oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soak the Catfish
Place the catfish fillets in a shallow dish and cover with buttermilk. Let them soak for 20–30 minutes. This step tenderizes the fish and helps the coating stick.
2. Make the Coating
In another shallow dish, mix together the cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Coat the Fish
Remove the catfish from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture until fully coated.
4. Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a cast-iron skillet or deep frying pan, about 1 inch deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Catfish
Carefully place the fillets into the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
6. Drain & Serve
Transfer the fried catfish to a wire rack or paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Classic sides: hushpuppies, French fries, or creamy coleslaw.
Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
Make it into a catfish po’boy sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce on French bread.
Final Thoughts
Southern Fried Catfish is more than just a meal — it’s a tradition. With its crispy coating and tender bite, this recipe delivers the same flavors you’d find at a backyard fish fry or a small-town diner. Easy to make and always satisfying, it’s comfort food you’ll come back to again and again.
