Crispy Fried Catfish with Hush Puppies – A Taste of Mississippi

When you think of Mississippi, one dish comes to mind: Crispy Fried Catfish. This Southern delicacy is a quintessential comfort food, bringing together the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Imagine tender catfish fillets coated in a crispy, golden-brown cornmeal crust that’s seasoned just right with a hint of spice. Paired with crispy hush puppies and a dollop of creamy tartar sauce, this meal feels like a trip down to the Magnolia State, where rivers are wide and food is rich in flavor and history.

Photo byNick Davies

I’ve been hooked on this recipe ever since I tried it during a road trip through Mississippi. I remember the first bite: the crunch of the cornmeal coating followed by the tender, flaky fish inside. It’s a dish that feels both rustic and indulgent at the same time. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you so you can experience a taste of Mississippi in your own home.

If you love fried fish, this easy fried catfish recipe will become a staple in your household. Mississippi is famous for its catfish farms, making this dish as authentic as it gets. Be sure to hit the follow button for more Southern-inspired recipes!

The Southern Roots of Catfish and Hush Puppies

Fried catfish has deep roots in Southern cuisine, especially in Mississippi where the abundance of freshwater rivers made catfish a local favorite. Catfish became a popular protein in the 19th century, especially for its affordability. Hush puppies, those delightful fried cornmeal bites, have their own fun origin story: legend has it that they were named after hunters and fishermen who’d fry up cornmeal batter to toss to their dogs, saying, “Hush, puppy!”

How to Make Crispy Fried Catfish

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving

For the Hush Puppies:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Catfish: Start by patting the catfish fillets dry. In a shallow bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
2. Coat the Fish: Dip each fillet into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to coat.
3. Fry the Fish: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (about 350°F), carefully place the fillets in the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fillets and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Hush Puppies: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir in the onion, buttermilk, and egg until a thick batter forms. Use a spoon to drop small dollops of the batter into the hot oil (use the same oil you fried the catfish in). Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
5. Serve: Serve the crispy catfish with hush puppies, lemon wedges, and tartar sauce. Add a side of coleslaw or collard greens for the perfect Southern meal.

Variations:

• Spicy Option: Add extra cayenne pepper to the cornmeal mix if you like a bit of heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour, and ensure your cornmeal is gluten-free.
• Baked Version: For a lighter version, bake the catfish fillets at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.

Cooking Tips:

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the catfish to ensure even cooking and a perfectly crispy crust.
• Soak the catfish in buttermilk for an hour before frying for an extra tender fillet with a slight tangy flavor.

This Southern fried catfish recipe pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of sweet tea or a light beer. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a taste of the South, this dish is guaranteed to please. Let me know how yours turns out in the comments, and be sure to share this recipe with friends!

Sources:

Family Recipe