Big Johns Southern Fried Catfish Recipes

BIG DADDY'S DEEP-FRIED CATFISH

Steps:

• Preheat a deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, add the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt and cayenne and whisk to combine. Whisk in the beer, being sure to remove any lumps.
• Cut the catfish fillets in half lengthwise to make 2 strips. If desired, cut into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl add the salt, pepper and granulated garlic. Season the fillets with some of the salt mixture. Reserve the remaining salt mixture for another use.
• Dip each strip in the beer batter and add to the fryer, a few at a time, moving them around so they don't stick. Fry until brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the fryer to a serving platter. Repeat with the remaining fillets and season the fish with lemon juice.

SOUTHERN FRIED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture into a flat pan large enough to hold the fillets. Spread fish in one layer over bottom of pan, turning to coat each side, and set aside to marinate.
• In a 2 gallon resealable plastic bag, combine the cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning. Add fish to mixture, a few fillets at a time, and tumble gently to coat evenly.
• Heat oil in deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
• Deep fry fillets until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Avoid overcrowding so fillets have room to brown properly. Fish should be slightly crisp outside, and moist and flaky inside. Drain on paper towels.

BIG JOHN'S SOUTHERN FRIED CATFISH

Steps:

• Pat outside if fish with paper towel to remove extra moisture.
• In shallow dish, combine all dry ingredients except flour.
• Dip fish in buttermilk, shake off excess buttermilk and coat with flour.
• Dip again in buttermilk, then coat with cornmeal mixture.
• In large heavy skillet (cast iron is best), heat oil over medium-high heat until hot.
• Fry fish about 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, or until fish will flake away with a fork.

BIG JOHN'S CAJUN FRIED OYSTERS

Steps:

• Drain oysters, reserving the liquid.
• Mix oyster liquid, eggs, hot sauce and milk.
• Mix cornmeal, cajun seasoning, cayenne and baking powder.
• Saute oysters in butter until edges curl.
• Remove from heat and let cool.
• Dip oysters first in liquid, then dredge in cornmeal mixture.
• Fry oysters in hot pepper oil for three minutes over medium heat, turning once, they are done when golden brown.
• Remove, drain on paper towels.
• Serve immediately.