Deep-fried Catfish

Deep-fried catfish is a delicious and popular dish, particularly in Southern cuisine in the United States. The key to a great deep-fried catfish lies in the seasoning and the batter, which provides a crispy coating when fried. Here's a simple and tasty recipe for you to try:

• 4-6 catfish fillets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges and tartar sauce, for serving

1. Prepare the Dry Mix:
   • In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Prepare the Wet Mix:
   • In another shallow dish, beat the eggs and mix them with buttermilk.
3. Prepare the Catfish:
   • Rinse the catfish fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the fillets with a little salt and pepper.
4. Dredge the Catfish:
   • Dip each fillet first in the wet mix, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge it in the dry mix, pressing gently to coat well.
5. Heat the Oil:
   • Fill a large skillet or deep fryer with enough vegetable oil to submerge the catfish fillets. Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry the Catfish:
   • Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated catfish fillets to the oil. Don't overcrowd the skillet/fryer.
   • Fry the catfish for about 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
7. Drain and Serve:
   • Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the catfish from the oil. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
   • Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce. Coleslaw and hush puppies make great sides for this dish.

• Ensure the oil temperature is correct; too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked; too low, and the fish will absorb too much oil and be greasy.
• For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of your favorite seasoning blend to the dry mix.
• If you prefer a thicker crust, you can double-dredge the fish by repeating the wet and dry coating process.

Enjoy your homemade deep-fried catfish! It's a comforting and flavorful meal that's perfect for gatherings or a family dinner.