Fried Catfish With Catfish Seasoning
Crispy fried catfish coated with a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, complemented by a spicy and savory seasoning blend. Perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and a crunchy texture, this dish is ideal for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sweet paprika
- 2 3/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 3/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. onion powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano leaves
- 1 tsp. thyme leaves ⓘ
- catfish ⓘ
- 1 c. flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brown mustard ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. seasoning mix ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the catfish into pieces measuring approximately 2 x 1 inches.
- In the first pan, combine 1 cup of flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning mix.
- In the second pan, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup of brown mustard.
- In the third pan, mix 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of seasoning mix with 1 1/2 cups of flour and cornmeal.
- Dredge the catfish pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the milk mixture, and finally coat with the seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture.
- Fry the coated catfish in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, let the catfish marinate in the milk and mustard mixture for about 30 minutes before dredging. If you're out of brown mustard, yellow mustard can be used as a substitute. To enhance the crispiness of the coating, consider mixing in some cornmeal with the flour. This recipe's seasoning blend can also be used for other seafood recipes such as shrimp or flounder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried catfish hot with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a classic southern meal. It pairs beautifully with Seafood Cakes - Tuna Or Salmon for a more diverse menu. For dipping, consider serving tartar sauce or a spicy remoulade. A slice of lemon on the side adds a refreshing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried catfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the catfish on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Catfish With Catfish Seasoning contains roughly 423 calories, with 18g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (111% of the Daily Value), iron (91% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2476mg per serving (108% 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 in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better and results in a crispier finish.
What should I serve with fried catfish?
Fried catfish is delicious when paired with traditional sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, or fried green tomatoes. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables. A squeeze of lemon will also enhance the flavors beautifully.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this fried catfish recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that the seasoning mix and any other ingredients used are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without gluten.
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).