Fried Catfish And Hush Puppies
A Southern classic featuring crispy fried catfish paired with golden hush puppies, offering bold flavors with spicy jalapenos and savory cornmeal batter, perfect for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped onion, buttermilk, 1 egg, and chopped jalapeno in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls for hush puppies.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry hush puppies until golden brown, then remove and drain.
- Season catfish fillets with salt and pepper.
- Dip catfish in beaten eggs, then coat with remaining cornmeal.
- Fry catfish until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Serve hot with hush puppies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapeno or a splash of hot sauce to the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. When frying, make sure the oil is hot enough to prevent the hush puppies from soaking up too much oil. Ensure you maintain the oil temperature while frying to achieve that perfect golden brown color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried catfish alongside the hush puppies for a classic Southern meal. Pair with coleslaw, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor. This dish also pairs beautifully with sides like cornbread or a fresh garden salad. For a complete experience, consider serving with a refreshing drink like sweet tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried catfish and hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the batter soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Catfish And Hush Puppies contains roughly 112 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (168% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1361mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen catfish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen catfish. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and frying. This will help achieve a crispy texture without excess moisture affecting the batter.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil or peanut oil are both excellent choices for frying due to their high smoke points. They will help achieve a crispy texture without imparting too much flavor to the catfish or hush puppies.
How do I know when the catfish is done cooking?
The catfish is done when it is golden brown and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can also check for flakiness with a fork; if it flakes easily, it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).