Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMurky Waters BBQ - GulfportFried Catfish Recipe

Fried Catfish Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

4 split filet strips.

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.

Main Ingredients

Frying Ingredients

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Catfish

    Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Make the Buttermilk Mixture

    In a bowl, pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. Add a pinch of salt and mix well.

Breading

  1. 3

    Prepare the Breading Mixture

    In a separate shallow dish, combine 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Mix well.

  2. 4

    Coat the Catfish

    Dip each catfish fillet into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge the fillet in the breading mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres. Repeat for all fillets.

Frying

  1. 5

    Heat the Oil

    In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat 3 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  2. 6

    Fry the Catfish

    Carefully place the breaded catfish fillets into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

  3. 7

    Drain the Fillets

    Once cooked, remove the catfish from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serving

  1. 8

    Serve the Catfish

    Serve the fried catfish hot with your choice of sides, such as coleslaw or hushpuppies.

More from Murky Waters BBQ - Gulfport