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Cajun Fried Catfish

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  • Author: lilly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Cajun
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

A classic dish of Cajun fried catfish, featuring a crunchy cornmeal coating and zesty buttermilk marinade that bursts with flavor.


Ingredients

  • 6 pounds catfish fillets
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup yellow mustard
  • 3 tablespoons Tabasco sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning
  • 4 cups vegetable oil or lard for frying
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
  • 2 tablespoons Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or granulated garlic
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper


Instructions

  1. Rinse the catfish fillets under cold running water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Whisk together the buttermilk, yellow mustard, Tabasco sauce, lemon juice, and Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning in a large bowl.
  3. Submerge the catfish fillets in the buttermilk marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
  4. Mix the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, remaining Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
  5. Heat 4 cups of vegetable oil or lard in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F.
  6. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating.
  7. Carefully place the coated catfish fillets into the hot oil and fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Place the fried catfish on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crunch, double-dredge the fish in the buttermilk marinade and cornmeal mix. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor profile.