Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsCaptain Al's Steak & SeafoodFried Catfish Recipe

Fried Catfish Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Make Fried Catfish Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Fish Preparation

Method

Fish Preparation

  1. 1

    Marinate the Catfish

    In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the catfish fillets and ensure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.

Breading Mix

  1. 2

    Prepare the Breading

    In a shallow dish, mix together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the mixture is well combined.

Frying

  1. 3

    Heat the Oil

    In a large skillet or frying pan, pour in the vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of the breading mixture into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

  2. 4

    Coat the Catfish

    Remove the catfish fillets from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each fillet in the breading mixture, pressing to adhere the coating well.

  3. 5

    Fry the Catfish

    Carefully place the coated catfish fillets into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fillets and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

More from Captain Al's Steak & Seafood