Sep 11 2026
RestaurantsSoul Food by CatherineCatfish Platter (2 Piece) Recipe

Catfish Platter (2 Piece) Recipe

Time50m
Serves1

Make Catfish Platter (2 Piece) Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Catfish

Method

Catfish

  1. 1

    Prep the fish

    Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Place fillets in a shallow dish.

  2. 2

    Buttermilk soak

    Whisk the buttermilk with the hot sauce in a bowl. Pour over the fillets to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to tenderize and remove any mild fishy odor.

  3. 3

    Mix dredge

    In a shallow bowl or pie plate, combine the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly so seasonings are evenly distributed.

  4. 4

    Dredge the fillets

    Remove fillets from the buttermilk one at a time, allowing excess to drip off. Press each fillet into the flour-cornmeal mixture, coating both sides well. Shake off excess and set on a wire rack while heating the oil.

  5. 5

    Heat oil

    Pour vegetable oil into a large heavy skillet or cast-iron pan to a depth of about 1/2 inch (roughly 1.5–2 cups depending on pan). Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a breadcrumb sizzles and browns in about 30 seconds.

  6. 6

    Fry the fillets

    Carefully place the fillets in the hot oil, skin-side down first if skin was present. Fry 3–5 minutes per side depending on thickness, turning once, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and flesh flakes easily. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.

  7. 7

    Drain

    Transfer cooked fillets to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack set over a baking sheet. Keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven if frying remaining fillets.

Sides & Garnish

  1. 8

    Prepare fries

    If using frozen fries, bake or fry according to package instructions so they are hot and crispy at serving time. If using fresh fries, toss cut potatoes with a little oil and salt and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.

  2. 9

    Plate and garnish

    Place the two fried catfish fillets on a platter with the fries and a scoop of coleslaw. Add lemon wedges and a small ramekin of tartar sauce. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the fish if desired. Serve immediately.

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