Non-VegetarianMissouri Bootheel Delta cuisine Main Course

Bootheel Fried Catfish

Name: Bootheel Fried Catfish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Missouri Bootheel Delta
Ingredients: 4 pieces Catfish fillets; 1.5 cups Buttermilk; 1.5 cups Fine cornmeal; 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tbsp Hot sauce; 3 cups Vegetable oil; 1 tsp Salt

Cornmeal-crusted, deep-fried catfish fillets, a staple of Missouri's Bootheel Delta region near the Mississippi River.

🇺🇸United States· Missouri

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 30 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: 420 kcal

Equipment

•Deep fryer or heavy skillet

Nutrition

Per serving, approximate

Calories: 420 kcal
fat: 24
carbs: 24
protein: 28
calories: 420

Instructions

1
Mix the buttermilk and hot sauce together. Soak the catfish fillets in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
2
Stir the cornmeal, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt together in a shallow dish.
3
Heat the oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy skillet.
4
Lift each fillet out and let extra liquid drip off. Coat both sides thoroughly in the seasoned cornmeal.
5
Fry the fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
6
Move the fried fish to paper towels or a wire rack to drain.
7
Sprinkle with extra salt while the fish is hot. Serve immediately.

Chef's tips

Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F so the crust does not burn before the fish cooks. A wire rack keeps the crust much crispier than paper towels.