Crispy outside, tender inside—Southern comfort food at its best.
Fish Camp Style Fried Catfish
Ingredients
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2 lb catfish fillets
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2 cups buttermilk
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Breading
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1½ cups yellow cornmeal
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp cayenne (optional)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
For Frying
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Vegetable or peanut oil
Instructions
1. Soak the fish
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Rinse and pat catfish dry.
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Soak in buttermilk with salt and pepper for 30–60 minutes.
2. Prepare breading
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Mix cornmeal, flour, and all seasonings in a shallow bowl.
3. Bread the catfish
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Remove fish from buttermilk (let excess drip off).
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Coat thoroughly in cornmeal mixture.
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Let rest 5 minutes for better adhesion.
4. Fry
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Heat oil to 350°F / 175°C.
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Fry catfish in batches 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Drain on paper towels.
Serve With
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Hushpuppies
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Coleslaw
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Fries or fried okra
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Lemon wedges & hot sauce
Fish Camp Tips
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Yellow cornmeal gives the authentic crunch.
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Don’t overcrowd the fryer.
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Serve immediately for best texture.
If you want, I can also share:
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Oven-fried version
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Spicy Cajun-style catfish
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Air fryer method