Catfish Dinner Recipe
Make Catfish Dinner Recipe in just 55m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Catfish and Seasoning
Cooking and Finishing
Simple Sides (optional)
Method
Catfish and Seasoning
- 1
Prep the fish
Pat catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Trim any thin edges so fillets are similar thickness for even cooking.
- 2
Marinate
In a shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge fillets in the buttermilk mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes (or up to 1 hour). This tenderizes and flavors the fish.
- 3
Make the dredge
In a wide shallow bowl or baking dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed.
Cooking and Finishing
- 4
- 5
Dredge and fry
Remove one fillet at a time from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the flour/cornmeal mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres. Shake off excess. Carefully place fillet into hot oil. Fry 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) or the flesh flakes easily with a fork. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches as needed.
- 6
Drain and finish
Transfer cooked fillets to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or to paper towels to drain briefly. While still hot, dot fillets with small pieces of the unsalted butter so it melts over the fish. Squeeze half of the lemon over the fillets and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve remaining lemon wedges at the table.
Simple Sides (optional)
- 7
Roasted baby potatoes
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss baby potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and roast 20–25 minutes until tender and golden, turning once halfway through.
- 8
Sautéed corn and green beans
While potatoes roast or fish fry, heat a small skillet over medium with 1 tsp olive oil (or use butter). Add green beans and cook 4–5 minutes until bright and slightly tender. Add corn and cook another 3–4 minutes until heated through. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve alongside the catfish.