Southern Fried Cat Fish

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Author: Imma Published:10/21/2016Updated:3/31/2021

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Southern Fried Cat Fish – Classic Southern Fried Catfish dipped in buttermilk and breaded in spicy seasoned cornmeal and fried to perfection.

Fried cat fish conjures thoughts of finger-licking goodness and crispy crunch in every bite. When I bought these fish fillets at the market, my intention was to bake them with garlic and salt. But I couldn’t stop thinking about fried fish, buckets of fish with hush puppies dipped in tartar sauce…that did it for me – sometimes nothing can satisfy that desire but the real thing.

The baked version has been put on the back burner – for another day and time. So sorry healthy my healthy peeps.

Although not the healthiest choice, deep frying fish adds great flavor and wonderful crispiness to any fish. When it’s done right, it can’t be beat. This Southern Fried Cat Fish is one of my favorite ways of frying fish.

I remember living next to a local seafood restaurant and would try ordering everything, especially fried fish. Yep! I ate my way through the menu- from fried fish to calamaris.

Sadly, those days are long gone. Now, I have to balance out my meals. I’m not a young chick anymore. But I have to indulge occasionally. It’s pretty hard for me to completely give up a meal I really enjoy.

This recipe is made with very minimal ingredients, the Cat fish fillets are dipped in buttermilk and coated with a seasoned cornmeal – with granulated garlic, onion powder, cracked pepper, cayenne pepper and salt.

This is gluten free – no added flour. I find the cornmeal adds a gritty crunch to the fish. Which adds to it’s appeal.

If you don’t care too much for cat fish, then replace it with another white fish; tilapia or red snapper works just as well. Also you can cut in strips or bite size portions if desired.

Serve with it homemade tartar sauce here or store bought version.

Tips For Southern Fried Cat Fish

For the best possible results, start by making sure that your fish is absolutely fresh. A fresh fish should smell like clean water. Do not buy fish that has fishy odor. Cooking won’t improve it. Speaking from experience here.
IF it’s your first time frying fish you might want to cut the fish in smaller pieces or chunks. Strips. Whole fish fillet or large chunks can be somewhat daunting.
Overcrowding your cast iron or deep- fryer will lower the oil’s temperature, which can result in soggy fish. So stick with a few pieces at a time.
For crispier results, I most often use cast iron skillet or a dutch oven. They retain heat more.
Before frying, the temperature should be around 375 degrees. This ensures that the batter reacts and creates a barrier between the oil and the food. If your oil’s temperature is too low, the food will soak up oil.
Once you remove the fish out of the fryer, place them on a metal cooling rack above a sheet pan. It prevents it from getting soggy.

Watch How to Make It

Nutrition Facts

Southern Fried Cat Fish

Amount Per Serving

Calories 146 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 33mg11%

Sodium 1741mg76%

Potassium 400mg11%

Carbohydrates 18g6%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 11g12%

Protein 11g22%

Vitamin A 170IU3%

Vitamin C 17.3mg21%

Calcium 114mg11%

Iron 0.6mg3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.