Best 6 Buttermilk Battered Catfish Recipes

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Indulge in the Southern classic of Buttermilk Battered Catfish, a crispy and flavorful dish that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe collection offers two variations: the classic Buttermilk Battered Catfish and a spicy rendition with a kick.

In the classic recipe, catfish fillets are coated in a light and fluffy buttermilk batter, then fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside. The buttermilk marinade adds a subtle tang and helps keep the catfish moist.

For those who prefer a bit of heat, the Spicy Buttermilk Battered Catfish amps up the flavor with a blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, and chili powder. This fiery twist adds an extra layer of complexity to the dish, creating a tantalizing combination of spice and savory flavors.

Accompanying these delightful catfish recipes are three delectable sauces that elevate the dining experience. The creamy tartar sauce offers a classic complement to the fish, with its tangy and slightly sweet notes. The spicy remoulade sauce adds a zesty kick with a blend of mayonnaise, Creole mustard, and cayenne pepper. And for a refreshing and herbaceous touch, the cucumber dill sauce combines the coolness of cucumber with the aromatic flavors of dill.

Whether you prefer the classic or spicy version, these Buttermilk Battered Catfish recipes are sure to become favorites at your table. With their crispy coating, tender fish, and flavorful sauces, they're perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion. So gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CLASSIC FRIED CATFISH



Classic Fried Catfish image

Skip the restaurants, and make your own fried catfish at home.

Provided by Southern Living Editors

Time 8h25m

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
6 (4- to 6-oz.) catfish fillets
1/3 cup plain yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup masa harina (corn flour)*
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Peanut oil

Steps:

  • Whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce.
  • Place catfish in a single layer in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish; pour buttermilk mixture over fish. Cover and chill 8 hours, turning once.
  • Combine cornmeal and next 6 ingredients in a shallow dish.
  • Let fish stand at room temperature 10 minutes. Remove from buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge fish in cornmeal mixture, shaking off excess.
  • Pour oil to depth of 2 inches into a large, deep cast-iron or heavy-duty skillet; heat to 360°F.
  • Fry fish, in batches, 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack on a paper towel-lined jelly-roll pan. Keep warm in a 225°F oven until ready to serve.

SOUTHERN FRIED CATFISH



Southern Fried Catfish image

Fried catfish is a Southern tradition, along with buttermilk hush puppies and buttermilk coleslaw. Try these traditional foods together.

Provided by Mama Smith

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Catfish

Time 30m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

½ cup buttermilk
½ cup water
salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound catfish fillets, cut in strips
1 ½ cups fine cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
1 quart vegetable oil for deep frying

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1427.2 calories, Carbohydrate 131.6 g, Cholesterol 145 mg, Fat 78.6 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 45.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.2 g, Sodium 799.9 mg, Sugar 5.9 g

BUTTERMILK BATTERED CATFISH



Buttermilk Battered Catfish image

Southern fried catfish. This is a tribute to a great Southern fried catfish. You won't be able to resist this recipe! This recipe is from Drick's Rambling Café.

Provided by Pat Duran

Categories     Fish

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 c buttermilk
1/2 tsp cider vinegar
1 Tbsp brown mustard
1/2 c cornmeal
1 tsp each of salt, paprika, granulated garlic and onion powder
1/2 tsp old bay seafood seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
4 pieces catfish fillets (about 4 oz. each)
peanut oil for frying

Steps:

  • 1. Whisk together buttermilk, cider vinegar and mustard in a wide bowl. Add fish fillets,coating well in mixture. Let set for 30 minutes.
  • 2. Mix together remaining ingredients in a shallow pan. Remove fish one piece at a time from the buttermilk mixture and then coat both sides of the fillets in the cornmeal mixture. Fry in hot oil until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the fried fillets to a paper towel lined platter to drain until ready to serve.

TODD RICHARDS'S FRIED CATFISH WITH HOT SAUCE



Todd Richards's Fried Catfish With Hot Sauce image

The Atlanta chef Todd Richards says his mother made catfish on Fridays as part of her weekly rotation of dishes. She let the fish sit in cornmeal for about five minutes before frying, a technique that he said resulted in very crispy fish. He uses the same method in this recipe, adapted from his cookbook, "Soul: A Chef's Culinary Evolution in 150 Recipes" (Oxmoor House, 2018). If you're using boneless catfish, this dish can be served as a sandwich.

Provided by Korsha Wilson

Categories     easy, main course

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups (16 ounces) whole buttermilk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon granulated onion or onion powder
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds catfish fillets, cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces
2 cups (about 8 1/2 ounces) plain yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Combine the buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, granulated garlic, granulated onion and 1 teaspoon each of the salt and black pepper in a large bowl or large resealable plastic freezer bag. Add catfish pieces; cover or seal and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours.
  • Whisk together the cornmeal, cayenne and remaining 3 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a shallow dish or pie pan.
  • Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet to 350 degrees over medium heat.
  • Remove the catfish from the buttermilk mixture and dredge in the cornmeal. Let stand 5 minutes.
  • Fry the catfish (large pieces first), in batches, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve with additional hot sauce.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 987, UnsaturatedFat 57 grams, Carbohydrate 56 grams, Fat 69 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 34 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 957 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 1 gram

KEN'S BEER BATTER FRIED CATFISH



Ken's Beer Batter Fried Catfish image

DH loves to fish, and when he brings home a "catch", this is the first recipe we go to, of coarse I have to quick grab the 1/2 cup of beer before he gets to it. You can add or delete the seasonings as your taste sees fit,Soaking in buttermilk, is the key to kicking the "fishy" taste, but this is an optional step. The original recipe comes from Ryan Newman. Prep time does not include chill time.

Provided by BakinBaby

Categories     Catfish

Time 8m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup beer (room temperature)
1 egg
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)
1 tablespoon cajun seasoning (optional)
1/4 teaspoon oregano (dried-optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 lb catfish fillet
1/3 cup buttermilk (optional, you can also use milk)
1/2 teaspoon salt
vegetable oil

Steps:

  • BATTER:.
  • In a medium bowl, combine flour,cornstarch & your choice of seasonings,baking powder,salt and pepper, whisk in beer & egg until smooth, cover & refrigerate 1-2 hours.
  • CATFISH:.
  • Soak fillets in 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/3 cup buttermilk or milk (optional step).
  • COOKING:.
  • When ready to cook, in a deep skillet, heat oil (about 3" deep) to 375 degrees.
  • Allow fillets to drip dry then lightly dab them with a paper towel to insure they are not wet, dip fillets in batter, lift strips with tongs, draining excess batter, then place catfish in oil several pieces at a time (do not over crowd fillets).
  • Fry until well browned on all sides (about 3 min.), remove and drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 166.6, Fat 4.9, SaturatedFat 1.3, Cholesterol 78.5, Sodium 578.4, Carbohydrate 15.8, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 1.1, Protein 11.9

BUTTERMILK-AND-CORNMEAL PAN-FRIED CATFISH



Buttermilk-and-Cornmeal Pan-Fried Catfish image

Provided by Jonathan Reynolds

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup buttermilk or water
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
1/2 cup peanut oil for frying
4 catfish fillets (about 8 ounces each)

Steps:

  • Place buttermilk in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl combine cornmeal, salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning.
  • Heat about 1/8 inch of oil in large skillet over medium heat until a pinch of cornmeal mixture sizzles quickly.
  • Dip catfish fillets into buttermilk to coat on both sides. Drain excess and dredge fillets in cornmeal mixture, coating both sides. Shake off excess.
  • Fry fillets in oil, 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until nicely browned and crisp.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 835, UnsaturatedFat 31 grams, Carbohydrate 68 grams, Fat 43 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 43 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 636 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Choose fresh catfish fillets. Look for fillets that are firm to the touch and have a mild, sweet smell. Avoid fillets that are slimy or have a strong fishy odor.
  • Soak the catfish fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This will help to tenderize the fish and give it a delicious flavor.
  • Use a light hand when breading the catfish fillets. Too much breading will make the fish greasy and heavy.
  • Fry the catfish fillets in hot oil until they are golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the fish will not cook evenly.
  • Serve the catfish fillets immediately with your favorite sides.

Conclusion:

Buttermilk battered catfish is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The buttermilk marinade helps to tenderize the fish, while the breading gives it a crispy, golden brown crust. Serve the catfish fillets with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or hush puppies, for a complete meal.

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