Best 9 Cornmeal Crusted Catfish Fillets Recipes

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Indulge in the Southern charm of cornmeal-crusted catfish fillets, a delectable dish that combines the flavors of crispy cornmeal coating with tender and flaky catfish. This classic recipe offers a crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying meal. Accompanied by a selection of delicious dipping sauces, including tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, and comeback sauce, this dish promises an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with this easy-to-follow recipe that includes step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for achieving perfect results every time.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH



Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish image

Provided by Kardea Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup whole milk
2 heaping tablespoons Miss Brown's House Seasoning, recipe follows
10 catfish filets, about 4 ounces each
Vegetable oil, for frying
2 1/2 cups finely ground yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Lemon wedges, for serving
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Stir together the milk and 1 heaping tablespoon of the House Seasoning. Pour the milk mixture into a shallow baking dish large enough to hold the filets. Spread the filets in an even layer in the dish, turning to coat each side. Let marinate for about 1 hour in a cool place or the refrigerator.
  • Pour enough oil into a large Dutch oven to come 2 inches up the side. Clip a deep-fry thermometer to the pot and heat over medium-high heat until the thermometer reaches 370 degrees F.
  • Meanwhile, stir together the cornmeal, flour and remaining 1 heaping tablespoon House Seasoning in a paper bag. Working with a few filets at a time, remove them from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them in the paper bag and gently turn the bag over several times until the filets are evenly coated with the cornmeal mixture. Remove the filets and place them on a baking sheet while you repeat the process with the remaining filets.
  • Working in batches, fry the filets until golden brown and crisp on the outside and moist and flaky inside, adjusting the heat to maintain temperature, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a clean wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to drain. Serve the filets with lemon wedges.
  • Stir together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH



Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish image

Classic seafood dinner ready in 25 minutes. Enjoy this crispy catfish coated with cornmeal - a delightful meal.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound catfish fillets, about 3/4 inch thick
1/4 cup fat-free ranch dressing
Chopped fresh parsley, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 450°. Spray broiler-pan rack with cooking spray. Mix cornmeal, bread crumbs, chili powder, paprika, garlic salt and pepper.
  • Remove and discard skin from fish. Cut fish into 4 serving pieces. Lightly brush dressing on all sides of fish. Coat fish with cornmeal mixture. Place fish on rack in broiler pan. Bake uncovered about 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 170, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 300 mg

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH



Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish image

To help breading adhere to the fish, pat fillets dry and coat lightly with flour before dipping in egg and dredging in cornmeal coating. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before frying.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 catfish fillets (6 ounces each)
3 tablespoons canola oil

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, combine the egg and lemon juice. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt. Dip catfish into egg mixture, then coat with cornmeal mixture., In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry fillets, two at a time, for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 430 calories, Fat 25g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 133mg cholesterol, Sodium 568mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

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

FRIED CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH



Fried Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish image

For extra crispy use stone-ground yellow cornmeal. Adjust all spices to taste. I made this using large basa fillets, it was excellent!

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Catfish

Time 15m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or use red pepper)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 teaspoons seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 -12 catfish fillets
oil (for frying)

Steps:

  • In a shallow dish combine the first 6 ingredients.
  • Dredge the fillets into the mixture and coat evenly.
  • In a large cast-iron skillet or a Dutch oven pour about 2-inches of oil; heat to 350 degrees.
  • Fry the fillets in batches for about 5-6 minutes turning once until golden.
  • Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 417.4, Fat 16.6, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 145.8, Sodium 267.4, Carbohydrate 21.6, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 0.2, Protein 42.9

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH FILLETS



Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish Fillets image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/4-cup yellow cornmeal
2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 lb. catfish fillets
1/2 to 1-1/2 tsp. original Tabasco brand pepper sauce
2 Tbs. olive oil, divided
2 Tbs. butter, divided
lemon wedges

Steps:

  • Combine cornmeal, flour and salt on large plate. Brush catfish fillets with Tabasco sauce. Press fish into cornmeal mixture to coat well on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter in 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add fillets and cook 4 minutes. With spatula, carefully turn fish. Add remaining oil and butter. Cook 4 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Garnish with lemon wedges.

SPICY CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH



Spicy Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish image

Serve this fish with tartar sauce as a main dish or also delicious served as a sandwich. Easy preparation. Prep time includes refrigeration time. From Eating Well Magazine.

Provided by Bev I Am

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 lb catfish fillet, cut into 4 portions
1 cup milk
1/4 cup tangy tartar sauce (recipe follows)
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
cooking spray
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon capers, finely chopped
1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
1/2 teaspoon lemon, zest of, freshly grated
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced

Steps:

  • Place fillets in a single layer in a shallow glass dish, Pour milk over the fish; cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or for up to 2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, prepare Tangy Tartar Sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients.
  • Keep refrigerated.
  • Makes 1/2 cup.
  • Preheat oven to 500°F.
  • Combine cornmeal, parsley, garlic and cayenne to taste in a shallow dish.
  • Remove the fish from the milk, sprinkle both side with salt and dredge in the cornmeal mixture.
  • Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  • Place the fish on baking sheet and lightly coat the fish with cooking spray.
  • Bake until the fish is firm to the touch and opaque in the center, 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve immediately with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
  • Makes 4 servings.

CAJUN BAKED CATFISH



Cajun Baked Catfish image

This well-seasoned fish nets me compliments from family and friends whenever I serves it. The fish is moist and flakey, the coating crisp, crunchy and flecked with paprika. -Jim Gales, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons Cajun or blackened seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
2 catfish or tilapia fillets (6 ounces each)
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°. In a shallow bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients., Dip fillets in cornmeal mixture to coat both sides. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with paprika., Bake until fish begins to flake easily with fork, 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 242 calories, Fat 10g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 94mg cholesterol, Sodium 748mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SPICY CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH



Spicy Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish image

Serve with a spoonful of tartar sauce and a lemon wedge on the side of each plate.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and fresh ground pepper
4 catfish fillets (8 ounces each), rinsed and patted dry
2 teaspoons canola oil

Steps:

  • On a baking sheet, mix together cornmeal, paprika, cumin, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Dredge fish in cornmeal mixture, turning to coat both sides.
  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat. Place 2 catfish fillets in the skillet, skin side up. Cook until crust is browned and fish is firm, 6 to 8 minutes on each side. If crust is starting to turn too brown, reduce heat. Transfer fish to a plate; keep warm. Wipe out skillet with a paper towel. Repeat with remaining oil and fish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 349 g, Fat 18 g, Protein 35 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right catfish fillets: Look for firm, opaque fillets that are free of any blemishes or discoloration.
  • Season the catfish fillets well: Don't be afraid to use a generous amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to flavor the fish.
  • Use a light touch when breading the catfish fillets: The breading should be thin and even so that the fish doesn't become too heavy or greasy.
  • Fry the catfish fillets in hot oil: The oil should be hot enough so that the fish sizzles when it is added to the pan.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the catfish fillets in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure that they cook evenly.
  • Drain the catfish fillets on paper towels: This will help to remove any excess oil from the fish.
  • Serve the catfish fillets immediately: Cornmeal-crusted catfish fillets are best served hot with your favorite sides.

Conclusion:

Cornmeal-crusted catfish fillets are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. The catfish is mild in flavor and pairs well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or french fries. The cornmeal breading adds a crispy texture and a slightly sweet flavor to the fish. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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