Entrée: United States – Fried Catfish

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Fried Catfish recipe
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep 10 min
Cook 10 min
Total 20 min

Ingredients

U.S. measurements first, metric equivalents in parentheses. Conversions are approximate; oz means weight ounces, not fluid ounces.

4 catfish fillets, about 1 lb total (454 g total)
1 cup (120 g) cornmeal
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1 / 2 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
1 / 2 tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
1 / 4 tsp (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper
1 cup (240 ml) milk
1 / 2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
Show original ingredient measurements
4 catfish fillets, about 1 lb total (454 g total)
1 cup (120 g) cornmeal
1 tsp salt
1 / 2 tsp black pepper
1 / 2 tsp garlic powder
1 / 4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup (240 ml) milk
1 / 2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil

Instructions

1. In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
2. Dip each catfish fillet in milk, then dredge in flour, pressing lightly to adhere. Next, coat in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring even coverage. 
3. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the fillets in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving with lemon wedges and hot sauce, if desired.
Estimated Nutritional Information*

Per serving | Servings: 4

Calories: 822 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38.7 g
Protein: 23 g
Fat: 63.9 g
Saturated fat: 11.3 g
Cholesterol: 69 mg
Fiber: 1.7 g
Sugar: 3.6 g
Sodium: 722 mg
Potassium: 493 mg
Calcium: 83 mg
Iron: 2.37 mg
Vitamin A: 34 µg RAE
Vitamin C: 0.1 mg
Vitamin D: 1 µg

Nutrition estimated: November 5, 2026

*Values are estimates based on USDA data and mathematical calculations. Actual values may vary. Where data are unavailable, those contributions are excluded.

Recipe details
Fried Catfish
Country
United States
Region
Southern United States
Recipe link
https://kitchen2mytable.com/view_recipe_data.php?id=126

Important Cooking Safety Notice

Please ensure all proteins are cooked to a safe internal temperature:

  • Chicken & Poultry: 165°F (74°C)
  • Ground Meats (Beef, Pork, Lamb): 160°F (71°C)
  • Whole Cuts of Pork, Beef, Veal, Lamb: 145°F (63°C) plus a 3-minute rest
  • Fish & Shellfish: 145°F (63°C)

Always use a food thermometer to verify doneness. Stay safe and enjoy cooking!