How to Fry Catfish
Frying catfish remains the most popular way to cook catfish. There is nothing that can compare to biting into the delicious taste of perfectly golden catfish or catfish nuggets. In order to make sure that your catfish turns out as delicious as you would like for it to, it is important to know how to fry catfish.
Deep Fryer vs. Pan Frying
Both these methods remain popular options for frying catfish. A deep fryer provides even cooking, a person doesn’t have to flip the catfish and it tends to cook them faster. Most people prefer this method because it is easier.
Other people prefer to pan-fry catfish because they can use butter to fry the catfish in. With a deep fryer, a person can only use the oil that is in the fryer. Pan-frying catfish is also a traditional method for blackening catfish.
Frying
An important part of learning how to fry catfish is knowing what to fry them in. Most recipes call specifically for butter or vegetable oil, but you can fry these fish in anything you prefer. Common choices for frying catfish include:
- Butter
- Vegetable oil
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Peanut oil
Each of these has its own taste and unique health benefits. Most people fry catfish in the same oil that they would fry other things in.
Preparation
Before tossing catfish into the pan or deep fryer, fillets and catfish nuggets need to be properly prepared. This includes coating them with something to make them wet and then using a dry mixture.
1. Coating
The coating on the catfish is what will make the batter stick to the fillet or nugget. Most people use eggs or milk, but some people spice things up a bit by using something along the lines of spicy mustard. Beginners can stick with eggs and trust that they are making a safe choice. Simply whisk a few eggs together in a bowl and you are good to go.
2. Dry Mix
After the catfish is coated in the eggs, it will need to be dipped into the dry mix. There are plenty of recipes available for both beginners and novices. Regardless of what your spice cabinet looks like, you can find something to put in the dry mix bowl. Common ingredients include:
- Flour
- Cornmeal
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Basil
- Salt
- Pepper
Most recipes have at least a few of these ingredients as a base, and then add spices are added for more flavor. If you are in a hurry to fry catfish tonight, you can simply use flour, salt, and pepper. This isn’t the most flavor-packed idea, but it will give catfish a golden-brown crust that will taste delicious.
Frying
After the oil is heated and the catfish has been properly prepared, it is time to fry them for dinner. Those that are using a deep fryer can simply toss them in the basket and let them cook until they are golden brown.
If you are using a pan, you need to heat the oil to at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the catfish in the pan and cover, allowing it to cook for a few minutes. Gently lift up one side and check the bottom to see if it is done. If it is, flip it over and cook the other side until it is done.
Learning how to fry catfish is a necessity for anyone that enjoys the taste of this delicious fish. Now that you know the basics, take the time to browse through our recipes to discover the perfect dry mix recipes and more for frying catfish.
Related Video:
