Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsReunion by Chef Art SmithFried Catfish Recipe

Fried Catfish Recipe

Time1h 20m
Serves4

Crispy fried catfish, artisan corn grits, braised greens, 2 hushpuppies

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Ingredients

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Fried Catfish

Artisan Corn Grits

Braised Greens

Hush Puppies

Method

Fried Catfish

  1. 1

    Marinate the Catfish

    In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and catfish fillets. Ensure that the fillets are fully submerged and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Breading

    In a shallow dish, mix together cornmeal, flour, cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

  3. 3

    Fry the Catfish

    Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Remove catfish from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture until well coated. Fry catfish fillets in hot oil for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Artisan Corn Grits

  1. 4

    Cook the Grits

    In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add salt and slowly whisk in corn grits. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until grits are thick and creamy.

  2. 5

    Finish the Grits

    Stir in butter and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Braised Greens

  1. 6

    Prepare the Greens

    Wash and chop collard greens into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

  2. 7

    Sauté the Aromatics

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.

  3. 8

    Braised the Greens

    Add collard greens to the pot and pour in chicken broth. Season with salt, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, until greens are tender.

Hush Puppies

  1. 9

    Mix the Batter

    In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add buttermilk and finely chopped onion. Mix until just combined.

  2. 10

    Fry the Hush Puppies

    Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

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