Hey, y’all! 🙌 If you’re craving some crispy, golden fried fish just like Grandma makes, this recipe is for you! We’re talking Southern-style, seasoned to perfection, and fried up to that perfect crunch.
It’s super easy, and you’ll be serving up some serious fish fry vibes in no time. 🎣✨
Ingredients:
- 4-6 fish fillets (catfish, tilapia, or whiting are great!)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (for a little kick 🔥)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges (for that zesty finish 🍋)
Instructions:
- Prep the Fish: Rinse your fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
Marinate Time: Place the fish in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over it. Let it soak for about 15 minutes. This step makes the fish tender and adds flavor!
Mix It Up: In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This is where the magic happens! 🌟
Coat the Fish: Take the fish out of the buttermilk and shake off the excess. Dip each fillet into the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides. Make sure it’s fully covered for that perfect crunch!
Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. To test if it’s ready, drop a tiny bit of the cornmeal mixture into the oil—if it sizzles, you’re good to go! 🔥
Fry Time! Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed.
- Drain & Serve: Remove the fish and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, or fries! 🍟
- Dig In! Enjoy your delicious Southern-style fried fish. It’s crispy, flavorful, and totally addictive!