It may not be deep-fried, but with a satisfyingly crunchy cornmeal crust, this skillet-fried catfish has all the flavors and textures that you would expect from fried fish. Most important, served with a healthy dollop of Herb Tartar Sauce or a heap of Roxy’s Grated Coleslaw (page 260), lemon wedges, and cold beer, it is just as sure to draw a crowd. This recipe can also be made with snapper, flounder, or any other flaky white fish.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4 to 6

　　Four 6- to 8-ounce catfish fillets, about 1/2 inch thick (1 1/2 to 2 pounds), or snapper or flounder

　　Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

　　1 cup well-shaken buttermilk

　　1 large egg

　　Dash of hot sauce

　　2/3 cup all-purpose flour

　　2/3 cup yellow cornmeal

　　Pinch of ground cayenne pepper

　　Canola oil, for frying

　　Herb Tartar Sauce (page 100)

　　1 white onion, thinly sliced

　　1 lemon, cut into wedges

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with a brown paper bag.

　　

Step 2

Rinse the catfish and pat dry. Slice each fillet lengthwise into 3 long strips and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Combine the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce in a shallow bowl and stir to mix. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and cayenne, season with salt and black pepper, and stir to mix.

　　

Step 3

Pour canola oil into a large skillet about 1/4 inch deep and place over medium-high heat until sizzling hot (see Know-how, page 100).

　　

Step 4

Dip each piece of fish in the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture to evenly coat both sides, shaking off any excess flour. Without overcrowding the skillet—you may need to fry in batches—place the fish in the hot oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning only once, until golden brown and crispy. If the fish is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium.

　　

Step 5

Remove the fish from the skillet and drain on the lined baking sheet. Place the pan in the oven to keep warm while you fry the remaining fish, adding more oil to the skillet if needed. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired, and serve hot with Herb Tartar Sauce, raw onion, and lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish.

　　

On the Side

Step 6

Make it a party with Squash Puppies (page 65), Creamy Potato Salad (page 266), and Spring Coleslaw with Fresh Herbs and Light Honey Citrus Vinaigrette (page 258).

　　Reprinted with permission from Sara Foster's Southern Kitchen: Soulful, Traditional, Seasonal by Sara Foster. Copyright © 2011 by Sara Foster. Published by Random House. All Rights Reserved.Sara Foster is the owner of Foster's Market, the acclaimed gourmet take-out store/cafés in Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and the author of several cookbooks including The Foster's Market Cookbook, winner of the Best Cookbook Award from the Southeast Booksellers Association. She has appeared numerous times on Martha Stewart Living Television and NBC's Today show. She has also been featured in magazines such as More, House Beautiful, and Southern Living, and is featured regularly in Bon Appétit.