Fried Catfish Bites
The catfish is a popular choice for frying due to its firm texture and mild, sweet flavor. Fried catfish bites are commonly found in southern cuisine in the United States and are enjoyed by many for their delicious taste and crunchy texture.
Ingredients
1 pound catfish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for some heat)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Lemon wedges, for serving
Sauce of your choice
Instructions
In a shallow dish, pour the buttermilk over the catfish pieces, making sure they are well coated. Let the catfish marinate in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
In another shallow dish, mix together the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Working in batches, remove the catfish pieces from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge them in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
Carefully place the coated catfish pieces in the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
Once fried, transfer the catfish bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with a little extra salt while they’re still hot.
Serve the fried catfish bites hot with lemon wedges and your choice of sauce for dipping.
Enjoy!
Thank you for trying this recipe. Please let me know how you liked it.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a look at other recipes on my Fast, simple and good appetizer page.
Fried Catfish Bites