Southern Fried Cat Fish & Hush Puppies (Mississippi style)

Today we're talking about a true Southern delicacy that's been a staple of American cuisine for generations: Mississippi Southern Fried Catfish. It's a dish that's as much a part of the culture as it is the cuisine, with its roots in the rich history of the Mississippi Delta. This crispy, golden-fried catfish, dredged in a cornmeal mixture, is the ultimate comfort food and a true representation of the flavors and traditions of the South.

Frying catfish is an art form, and we'll explore the best catfish recipe and techniques for catfish cooking to ensure your deep-fried catfish turns out perfectly. But what would a catfish dinner be without some delicious homemade hush puppies on the side? We've got you covered with an easy hush puppy recipe, as well as the best hush puppy recipe for those looking to go the extra mile.

In addition to the catfish nugget recipes, we'll also discuss the perfect breading for catfish, which includes cornmeal fried fish, to give you that authentic Southern taste. And since hush puppies and seafood are a match made in heaven, we'll delve into the southern hush puppies recipe that complements your catfish beautifully.

So, let's whip up some fish and enjoy a true taste of the Mississippi Delta with this mouthwatering catfish dinner! 🤘🏼 Adam

Print

Mississippi Fried Catfish

Ingredients

Fried Catfish

• 1 ½ pounds Mississippi Pond-Raised Catfish Filets
• 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Cornmeal
• ½ cup Adam’s Cajun/Creole Seasoning *See note
• Kosher salt
• Neutral Oil, for frying
• Lemons, for serving

Cajun-Creole Spice Blend

• 2 Tbsp Onion Powder
• 2 Tbsp Garlic Powder
• 2 Tbsp Dried Oregano
• 2 Tbsp Dried Thyme
• 2 Tbsp Black Peppercorn, ground
• 1 Tbsp White Peppercorn, ground
• 1 Tbsp Cayenne Pepper
• 2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• ¼ cup Smoked Paprika

Instructions

Fried Catfish

1. Fish Cure: Equal parts salt and sugar. Rub down, then cure for 15 minutes, rinse and dry off.
2. Single bread in seasoned cornmeal for delicate outer crust at 375F.

Cajun-Creole Spice Blend

1. Mix it all together. Store at room temperature. Stays fresh for 3 months in a sealed container for 3 months.

Ah, southern-style hush puppies. These little deep-fried balls of cornmeal and spices are as much a part of the southern culinary canon as sweet tea and BBQ. The name "hush puppy" comes from the tradition of tossing these tasty treats to barking dogs to "hush" them up during fish fries and other outdoor gatherings. But why they're so delicious? Well, it's all about the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, moist interior, with just the right amount of savory and slightly sweet flavor to complement fried Catfish. Pair them with a cold brewdaddy and you've got yourself a true taste of the south.

Print

Hush Puppies with Comeback Sauce

Ingredients

Hush Puppies

• 3 cups Cornmeal, finely ground
• 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
• ¼ cup Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• ½ tsp Baking Soda
• 3 cup Buttermilk
• 2 tsp Kosher Salt, more to taste
• Fresh Chives, to taste

Comeback Sauce

• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Ketchup
• ¼ cup Hot Sauce
• 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• Black Pepper, to taste
• Kosher Salt, to taste
• ½ tsp MSG
• Juice of half a Lemon

Instructions

Hush Puppies

1. Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
2. Preheat a deep pot with neutral oil to 350F. With a large spoon, scoop a tablespoon of batter into the hot oil at a time. Fry for 4-5 minutes, until deeply golden brown. Remove from the fryer and place on a drying rack to drain. Immediately sprinkle with kosher salt. Let cool before serving. Serve with comeback sauce.

Comeback Sauce

1. Stir all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Let chill for 30 minutes before serving. Lasts up to a week in the fridge.

Disclaimer: I earn commission income with qualifying purchases made through Amazon’s Affiliate program and other affiliate links in this description.