Southern Fried Catfish Platter with Hushpuppies

Ingredients

• 4 6-oz fillets catfish fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp (or to taste) cayenne pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 3-4 cups, for frying vegetable oil
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 cup, finely minced yellow onion
• 1 large egg
• 0.75 cup buttermilk

Instructions

1. Prepare Catfish: Pat catfish fillets dry. Place in a shallow dish and pour buttermilk over them. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare Catfish Breading: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together cornmeal, flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat Oil: Pour 3-4 cups of vegetable oil into a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor temperature.
4. Bread Catfish: Remove one catfish fillet from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat. Place on a wire rack while you bread the remaining fillets.
5. Fry Catfish: Carefully place 1-2 fillets into the hot oil (do not overcrowd the pot). Fry for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C). Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) while you prepare hushpuppies.
6. Prepare Hushpuppies: While catfish fries, in a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Stir in the minced onion.
7. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
8. Fry Hushpuppies: Using a small scoop or two spoons, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry for 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pot.
9. Remove hushpuppies with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack. Season lightly with salt if desired.
10. Serve the fried catfish immediately with hushpuppies, lemon wedges, and hot sauce on the side.

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