Name: Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Catfish (Standard)
Prep time: 24 min
Cook time: 36 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Catfish fillets; 1 cup Buttermilk; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black pepper; 1/2 tsp Garlic powder; 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper; 1 cup Cornmeal; 1/2 cup All-purpose flour; 1 tsp Paprika; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black pepper; 1/2 tsp Garlic powder; 3 cups Vegetable oil

Recipe tier

A classic Southern fried catfish recipe, aiming to replicate the taste of Cracker Barrel's famous dish. This version uses readily available ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Total 1h

Serves 4

Steps 8

Ingredients 13

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Fire it up · 75 minutes

Music paced for prep, cooking, plating, and the reset after dinner.

Prep 24m Cook 36m Plate 5m Reset 10m

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Catfish
1.5 lbs 680 g Catfish fillets
Marinade
1 cup 240 mL Buttermilk
1 tsp 5 mL Salt
tsp 2.5 mL Black pepper
tsp 2.5 mL Garlic powder
tsp 1.25 mL Cayenne pepper
Dredge
1 cup 120 g Cornmeal
cup 60 g All-purpose flour
1 tsp 5 mL Paprika
1 tsp 5 mL Salt
tsp 2.5 mL Black pepper
tsp 2.5 mL Garlic powder
Frying
3 cups 720 mL Vegetable oil

Equipment

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Instructions

🎙️ Cook with voice coach

In a bowl, combine all Marinade ingredients and mix well.
Add Catfish fillets to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, in the refrigerator.
In a separate shallow dish, combine all Dredge ingredients and mix well.
Heat Vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
Remove Catfish fillets from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
Carefully place dredged Catfish fillets into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove Catfish fillets from the skillet and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve immediately.