Here’s a Fish Camp–Style Fried Catfish recipe 🐟🌽
(Crispy, simple, and very Southern—just like the old fish camps.)
Fish Camp–Style Fried Catfish
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 2 lbs catfish fillets
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: ¼–½ tsp cayenne (for heat)
- Buttermilk, enough to soak fish
- Peanut or vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Soak the catfish
Place catfish fillets in a bowl and cover with buttermilk.
Refrigerate 30 minutes to 2 hours (this removes any muddy taste). - Heat oil
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare breading
In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). - Bread the fish
Remove catfish from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
Dredge fillets thoroughly in cornmeal mixture. - Fry
Carefully place fish into hot oil.
Fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. - Drain & serve
Remove fish and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
Serve hot.
Fish Camp Style Sides
- Hush puppies
- Coleslaw
- Fried okra
- White bread & sliced onions
- Hot sauce or tartar sauce
Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches
- Keep fried fish warm in a 200°F oven while finishing batches
- For extra crunch, use all cornmeal (no flour)
If you want, I can share fish camp hush puppies, homemade tartar sauce, or a pan-fried version.
