Chicken Fried Catfish Recipes

CHICKEN FRIED CATFISH

Steps:

• Combine the buttermilk, red onion, scallions, dill, garlic, zest, and chile paste in a baking dish. Whisk or stir well.
• Lay the fillets in the marinade, making sure you've got them completely coated. Cover with plastic and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
• Remove the fish from the marinade and season it with salt and pepper. Coat the fillets well with flour.
• Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a heavy skillet (cast-iron is best) until very hot but not smoking. Fry the fish in batches for about 1 1/2 minutes on the first side, then turn and fry for another 45 seconds. The crust should be golden.
• Drain on paper towels and serve with the tartar sauce.

CHICKEN-FRIED FISH

Steps:

• Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish. Add 1/4 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt, cover loosely with plastic wrap and microwave until tender, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, sprinkle the fish all over with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Combine the flour and paprika in a shallow dish. Beat the eggs in another dish. Dip each fish fillet in the eggs, then dredge in the flour mixture, turning to coat. Reserve the flour mixture. Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the fish until cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil. Wipe out the skillet. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of the reserved flour mixture, then add the chicken broth and 1/4 cup water; bring to a boil, whisking. Add the milk, cream cheese and parsley; cook, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Divide the fish among plates. Top with the sauce and sprinkle with paprika. Serve with the green beans.
• Photograph by Christopher Testani

FRIED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together the mustard, hot sauce and egg white. Add the fish and toss to coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
• Pour the oil into a Dutch oven, filling it no more than one-third full. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer. Line a plate with paper towels and set by the cooktop. In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal and flour and season with salt and pepper.
• Remove the fish from the marinade and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Dredge the fish in the cornmeal mixture to coat both sides and shake off the excess. Carefully add the fish to the oil, a few pieces at a time. Cook until golden brown and crispy, 2 minutes total. Remove with a slotted spoon to the prepared plate.
• Serve with Country Remoulade and Beer Batter Hushpuppies.
• In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chives, lemon juice, mustard, hot sauce, green onions, celery and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
• Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled.
• In a large cast-iron Dutch oven, heat the oil over high heat until it reaches 375 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
• To make the batter, in a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking powder, cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. In a second bowl or large liquid measuring cup, combine the beer, eggs and onions. Add some salt and pepper and whisk until smooth. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, using as few strokes as possible. (The mixture should resemble wet sand; add more beer, if needed.)
• Line a plate with paper towels and set by the cooktop. To fry the hushpuppies, scoop up the batter using a medium ice cream scoop and drop it into the hot oil without crowding. Fry, stirring occasionally with a slotted spoon, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to the prepared plate. Adjust the heat to maintain the proper temperature and repeat with the remaining batter. Serve immediately.

SOUTHERN FRIED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture into a flat pan large enough to hold the fillets. Spread fish in one layer over bottom of pan, turning to coat each side, and set aside to marinate.
• In a 2 gallon resealable plastic bag, combine the cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning. Add fish to mixture, a few fillets at a time, and tumble gently to coat evenly.
• Heat oil in deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
• Deep fry fillets until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Avoid overcrowding so fillets have room to brown properly. Fish should be slightly crisp outside, and moist and flaky inside. Drain on paper towels.

FRIED CATFISH

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a deep saucepot or small fryer to 350 degrees F.
• Next, in a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, ensuring to mix well. Then place in a shallow pan.
• To bread the fish, evenly sprinkle both sides of the fillets with the salt and pepper, then dip in the seasoned flour and tap off any excess. Follow with the egg wash and finish with the cornmeal. The breading should be evenly over the fillets. Proceed to place in the heated oil and cook for 3 minutes. Then flip and finish for 2 minutes. The crust should be golden brown and crisp. Then remove from the oil and place on a paper-towel-lined platter.
• To finish, drizzle with lemon juice and serve.