Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the heart of Southern cuisine with this irresistible Bronzed Catfish and Hush Puppies recipe! Imagine golden, perfectly seasoned catfish fillets with a crispy exterior that crackles with each bite, accompanied by light and fluffy hush puppies that will transport you straight to a classic Southern kitchen. Whether you're a seafood lover, a Southern food enthusiast, or simply looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe promises to deliver a culinary experience that's both comforting and exciting.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cornmeal for hush puppies
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the catfish by patting the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup cornmeal, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning mixture for the fish.
- Dredge each catfish fillet in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat with a thin layer of oil.
- Carefully place the seasoned catfish fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- For hush puppies, combine 1 cup cornmeal, buttermilk, egg, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Mix the hush puppy batter until well combined, ensuring no dry spots remain.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the hush puppy batter into the hot oil.
- Fry the hush puppies in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the hush puppies with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve the bronzed catfish fillets immediately with the hot hush puppies, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Pat the catfish fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect crispy coating.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Maintain oil temperature around 375°F for perfectly crispy hush puppies that aren't greasy.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking catfish or frying hush puppies to ensure even cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the catfish seasoning mix for a subtle kick.
- Serve immediately for the best texture - catfish and hush puppies are at their prime when hot and fresh.
- Use fresh, high-quality catfish for the most delicious results.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
