Southern Fried Catfish with Hush Puppies
Bring the taste of the South to your table with this Southern Fried Catfish with Hush Puppies recipe! Crispy, golden catfish fillets paired with tender, flavorful hush puppies create the ultimate comfort food meal. Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, fish fry nights, or Southern-inspired cooking.
Ingredients
- For the Catfish:
- 4 catfish fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Hush Puppies:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Catfish: Pat catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Pour buttermilk into a shallow dish and soak fillets for at least 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Remove catfish from buttermilk and dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Fry the Catfish: Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry fillets 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 4: Prepare the Hush Puppies: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in chopped onions.
- Step 5: Fry the Hush Puppies: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, drop batter into hot oil, frying 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.