Golden Fried Catfish with Hush Puppies
Crispy, golden, and full of Southern flavor this Golden Fried Catfish with Hush Puppies is a true comfort food favorite! Flaky, tender catfish fillets are coated in a perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust and fried to crunchy perfection, paired with warm, fluffy hush puppies that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients
- For the Catfish:
- 4 catfish fillets (about 6–8 oz each)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Hush Puppies:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Catfish: Rinse the catfish fillets and pat dry with paper towels. Place fillets in a shallow dish and cover with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 15–20 minutes (this tenderizes the fish and reduces any “fishy” flavor). In a separate shallow dish, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove each catfish fillet from the buttermilk, let excess drip off, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture until fully coated. Fry 2 fillets at a time for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Prepare the Hush Puppies: In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cayenne. Stir in grated onion, egg, buttermilk, and melted butter until combined (batter should be thick). Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or skillet. Drop batter by rounded tablespoons into hot oil, frying in batches. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.