Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that'll transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana? Look no further than this irresistible Spicy Cajun Fried Catfish recipe that promises to deliver a crispy, flavor-packed punch with every single bite! Imagine golden, perfectly seasoned fillets with a crackling exterior that gives way to tender, flaky fish - this isn't just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Catfish fillets
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Cajun seasoning
- Oil for frying
- Lemon
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier coating.
- In a shallow dish, mix together cornmeal, flour, and Cajun seasoning, creating a well-seasoned breading mixture. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
- Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a large cast-iron skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature.
- Dredge each catfish fillet thoroughly in the seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating adheres to the fish.
- Carefully lower the breaded catfish fillets into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the fried catfish from the oil and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot fish and serve with additional Cajun seasoning and hot sauce on the side for extra heat and flavor.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve immediately while the fish is hot and crispy.
Tips
- Pat the fish completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or deep fryer for the most even and consistent frying temperature.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for perfect golden-brown results.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - fry in batches to keep the oil temperature stable and ensure even cooking.
- Let the fried fish drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent the bottom from getting soggy.
- Experiment with different hot sauces to customize the heat level to your preference.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture and most vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
