Southern Fried Catfish

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets (or any firm white fish like tilapia)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar as a substitute)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish: Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, mix the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), and a bit more salt and pepper.
3. Coat the Fish: Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish. Dip each fillet into the buttermilk, then dredge it in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). A small piece of bread should sizzle when added.
5. Fry the Fish: Carefully place the coated fillets into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spatula to remove the fish and let it drain on paper towels.
6. Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges, a sprinkle of parsley, and your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, hush puppies, or fries.

Enjoy this crispy, flavorful dish! Let me know if you’d like a recipe for a complementary sauce or side dishes