1. Prepare the Catfish:
- Begin by rinsing the catfish fillets under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Soaking the fillets in buttermilk for about 15-30 minutes before coating helps tenderize the fish and ensures the coating sticks well.
2. Mix the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour and cornmeal.
3. Heat the Oil:
- Fill a large skillet or deep fryer with enough vegetable oil to submerge the catfish fillets. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by sprinkling a bit of the flour mixture into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
4. Dredge the Catfish:
- Remove a fillet from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge the fillet in the flour and cornmeal mixture, coating it thoroughly on both sides. Gently shake off any excess coating.
5. Fry the Catfish:
- Carefully place the coated fillet into the hot oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.
- Repeat the process with the remaining fillets, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil’s temperature and result in soggy fish.
6. Drain and Serve:
- Once fried, transfer the catfish to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep the fish crispy.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side.
Tips for Perfect Golden Fried Catfish:
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Maintaining Oil Temperature: Keep a kitchen thermometer handy to monitor the oil’s temperature. If the temperature drops too low, the fish will absorb excess oil and become greasy. If it’s too high, the coating will burn before the fish is cooked through.
- Serving Suggestions: Golden Fried Catfish pairs wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, or French fries for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
Enjoy your Golden Fried Catfish, a simple yet satisfying dish that brings the taste of the South right to your kitchen.