There is nothing like a fried whole catfish made by your grandma or your uncle, but sometimes it is exhausting having to depend on them to make the catfish. So, let us make the pan-fried catfish fillet recipe.

The Legend Of The Pan-Fried Catfish Fillet Recipe

I do not know what it is about grandmas and uncles, but they are always the ones that are throwing down with the fried whole catfish.

If there is a fried fish cookout going on, and I do not see any Jesus sandals being worn, then I am not eating there.

I am talking about the same sandals Moses wore when he parted the Red Sea. If those sandals are not spotted during a fish fry or a BBQ, then I recommend eating with caution.

Lord forbid, you make a plate, and you got to hit the plate with the sandwich fold because you do not want to hurt somebody’s feelings.

Also, you wasted all that food, but it can’t be helped. Furthermore, the only person that is about to eat that food now is the trash can.

When you can cook incredible meals yourself, you do not have to worry about these kinds of problems. Therefore, this pan-fried catfish fillet recipe will be your best friend.

The Secret Of Fried Whole Catfish

There are a few things we need to break down about making the perfect fried whole catfish. For starters, there are multiple that you can fry your fish.

You can cook your fish in a deep fryer. If you are being health conscious, then you can cook the fish in an air fryer. Another way to cook the fish is in a pan.

We will be using a pan for this recipe, hint on why the name of the recipe is the pan-fried catfish fillet recipe.

For the batter, we will be making it from scratch. An alternative to that is to buy some pre-made catfish batter.

Some people like using an egg mixture with the batter, and some people do not like to do that. That will be based on your preference.

Also, seasoning is your best friend. Do not be shy with the seasoning, go crazy if you have to.

What Does Catfished Mean In Slang?

When you are describing a phenomenal experience with a catfish, the safest thing to do is to be specific with what type of catfish you are talking about.

Some years back, catfish has been coined to mean something other than delicious fish going in one’s belly. In proper context, this term is used to describe someone who is pretending to be somebody else.

This is mostly referring to appearances, since being catfished usually happens when you meet someone online.

There are situations where people meet up in person, but when that woman takes the makeup off or that guy takes off his hat that hides his receding hairline, people are quick to call these individuals a catfish.

How Long Do You Fry Catfish?

For this fried whole catfish recipe, we will fry each side for 5-7 minutes, making a total of 10-14 minutes.

Is Fried Catfish Good For You?

The answer to this is yes, and no.

The fish itself is low in calories and contains a decent amount of healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, and lean protein.

The specific type of fat that catfish contain is omega 3, which is good for the heart. The vitamin that catfish have is B12.

Now, if catfish is the only thing that we are discussing, then I would say that this is a healthy dish to eat, but that is not the case.

When catfish is fried, it is a good chance that the catfish has some type of batter coating it. This will add a good bit of calories to the fish.

Also, it is a good chance that the fish will be fried in oil. This will add more calories to the fish. Not to mention, fried food, in general, can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

As much as we love some fried whole catfish, we would have to leave it alone if we are trying to be healthy. On the contrary, you can always make the pan-fried catfish fillet recipe for a cheat meal.

Why Is My Fried Catfish Mushy?

If your fried whole catfish comes out mushy, you are probably cooking too many catfish at one time.

When this happens, the fish cooks unevenly, and the oil seeps into the fish, which will lead to the coating of the fish being mushy.

Here is the sign that this is the issue. If all the catfish that you are trying to cook at once can barely fit your pan, then you are cooking too many catfish at once.

The solution to this problem is to cook the catfish in batches. This way there is space between the catfish and all the catfish can cook evenly.

Do You Need To Soak Catfish Before Cooking?

No, you do not have to soak the catfish before cooking them. In fact, the pan-fried catfish fillet recipe does not use that method. However, if you want to soak your catfish beforehand, that is fine.

Is Catfish A Dirty Fish?

No, catfish is not dirty, or at least not in my household because I clean my fish. Give me a bowl and some vinegar, and that fish will be clean in no time.

Moreover, farmed catfish are a clean protein source, according to the Texas Agricultural Extension Service.

Can You Fry Fish Without Flour?

Most fried foods have a flour coat over them, but having that coat is not a necessity. You can fry fish without flour, no matter how you choose to fry your fish.

In fact, if you are trying to be healthy, and you decide to use an air fryer, then you more than likely will not be using flour anyway.

Making The Pan-Fried Catfish Fillet Recipe

Serving Size: 4

Fish:

4 Pieces Catfish Fillets (weight this)
17 oz Oil

Flour Coat:

1 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
2 cup Flour
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Onion Powder
2 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Curry Powder

Egg Wash:

1 Egg
1/2 cup Buttermilk
2 tsp Hot Sauce
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

Equipment

Cooling Rack
Tong
Skillet
Stovetop

How To Fry Catfish

Prepping Catfish Fillets For Coating:

Place the catfish on paper towels to drain out any excess liquid.
Once most of the liquid is out, it’s time to coat the catfish fillets.

Prepping Catfish Fillets For Frying:

Add the first flour coat to the catfish fillet, by deeping the catfish fillet into the flour mixture and completing, covering the fillet with the flour coating mixture.
Remove the fillet from the flour, then shake off the excess flour coating from the fillet.
Now, quickly, deep the floured catfish fillet into egg wash, then place it back into the coating flour mixture.
Once again, completely cover the fillet with the flour coating mixture.
Once you’re satisfied with the coating, remove the fillet from the flour, shake off the excess flour, and place the catfish fillet on a cooling rack to sit for at least 5 minutes.
Repeat these steps for each catfish fillet.

Prep The Oil:

Heat up the oil slowly until it’s between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frying Catfish:

Add 1 to 2 catfish fillets to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
After 7 minutes, flip the fillet, then let it cook for another 5-7 minutes.
Once the catfish is cooked, place it on the cooling rack or plate layered with a paper towel.
Repeat until all the fillets are cooked.
Serve catfish hot with your favorite side dish.

More Fried Whole Catfish

With this recipe, you do not have to depend on your grandma and uncle to make fried catfish for you. You can do it yourself now.