Catfish Fries
Southern delight of catfish fries with this classic recipe. Marinated in a rich buttermilk blend and coated in a seasoned cornmeal mixture, these catfish strips are deep-fried to golden perfection. A timeless favorite, perfect for family gatherings or a savory treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh buttermilk
- 1/2 cup purified water
- Salt and freshly ground pepper as per your preference
- 1 pound fresh catfish fillets sliced into even strips
- 1 1/2 cups premium cornmeal
- 1/2 cup high-quality all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon gourmet seafood seasoning Old Bay™ or equivalent
- 1 quart of vegetable oil preferably for deep frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper. Transfer this mixture to a flat pan, ensuring it's spacious enough for the catfish strips. Immerse the fillets in the marinade, ensuring each side is well-coated. Allow them to rest and soak in the flavors.
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning. Introduce the marinated fillets to this dry mix, a few at a time. Seal the bag and shake gently, ensuring the fillets are uniformly coated with the mixture.
- Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully place the fillets in, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they achieve a crispy golden hue, which should take about 3 minutes. Fry in batches for best results.
- Once fried to perfection, transfer the catfish fries onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!