Fried Catfish Recipe

Step 1

In a brown bag or ziploc bag, add cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper and cayenne and shake together.

Step 2

In a deep pie plate or large shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and hot sauce.

Step 3

Add each filet into beaten eggs on both sides then add to the cornmeal breading and shake liberally to coat well. Shake off excess coating and add to a parchment covered baking sheet. Repeat with each fillet.

Step 4

Let fish set for about 10-15 minutes before frying.

Step 5

In a large dutch oven, pot or deep fryer, pour in about 4 inches of oil and heat over medium high heat until the temperature reaches approximately 350-360 degrees.

Step 6

Working in batches, lower a few fillets into oil making sure not to overcrowd the dutch oven. Fry fillets until golden brown or about 2-5 minutes on each side depending on size of fish before turning over. Then remove and drain on a wire rack with a baking sheet with paper towls beneath.

Step 7

Cool for 5-10 minutes then serve with lemon wedges, hot sauce in a bottle on the side and hush puppies and a couple sprigs of parsley.