Table of Contents
Fried catfish is a beloved Southern dish known for its crispy coating and tender fish. When paired with spicy remoulade sauce and hearty collard greens, it creates a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets of fresh catfish
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the remoulade sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped pickles
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the collard greens:
- 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Preparation
Preparing the Remoulade
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, lemon juice, chopped pickles, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve. This spicy remoulade adds a creamy, tangy kick to the crispy catfish.
Cooking the Collard Greens
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add chopped collard greens and cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes until greens are tender.
Frying the Catfish
In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Dredge each catfish fillet in the mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crispy fried catfish hot, accompanied by a generous dollop of spicy remoulade sauce. Pair with the simmered collard greens for a traditional Southern meal. Add hot sauce or lemon wedges for extra flavor if desired.