Spicy Fried Catfish

### Instructions

#### 1. **Prepare the Fish:**
– Pat the **catfish fillets** dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating stick better when frying.
– Season the fillets with a little salt and pepper, then set aside.

#### 2. **Make the Coating:**
– In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the **cornmeal**, **flour**, **paprika**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **cayenne pepper**, **black pepper**, **thyme**, and **cumin** (if using). Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
– In a separate shallow dish, beat the **egg** and add the **buttermilk** (or milk). Stir until the mixture is smooth.

#### 3. **Coat the Fish:**
– Dip each catfish fillet into the **buttermilk and egg mixture**, making sure it’s well coated.
– Then dredge the fillet in the **cornmeal mixture**, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on both sides.

#### 4. **Fry the Fish:**
– Heat about **1 inch of vegetable oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of cornmeal into the oil—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
– Carefully add the fillets to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about **3-4 minutes per side** or until the fish is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked.
– Once the fillets are done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

#### 5. **Serve:**
– Serve the crispy fried catfish immediately with your favorite sides. A drizzle of **hot sauce** or a squeeze of **lemon juice** adds an extra kick and brightness to the dish.
– Garnish with chopped **fresh parsley** for a touch of color and freshness.

### Why You’ll Love Spicy Fried Catfish

– **Crispy and Flavorful:** The perfectly seasoned cornmeal coating gives each bite a crispy crunch, while the catfish remains moist and flaky on the inside. The combination of spices adds a deep, savory heat that makes the fish incredibly flavorful.
– **Quick and Easy:** This recipe is simple to prepare and cooks quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-togethers.
– **Versatile:** Spicy Fried Catfish can be served in a variety of ways. Pair it with traditional Southern sides like **coleslaw**, **cornbread**, or **fried okra**, or serve it with a lighter salad for a fresher take.
– **Customizable:** Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce you use. If you prefer a milder version, you can tone down the heat without sacrificing flavor.

### Tips for the Best Spicy Fried Catfish

– **Use Fresh Catfish:** Fresh catfish fillets will provide the best texture and flavor, but frozen fillets work well too. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When frying the catfish, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures that each fillet fries evenly and stays crispy.
– **Temperature Control:** Keep the oil temperature steady at around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the coating can burn before the fish cooks through; if it’s too cool, the fish may turn soggy.
– **Double-Dip for Extra Crispy Coating:** For an extra-crispy crust, dip the fillets in the egg mixture and cornmeal mixture twice, ensuring a thick, crunchy coating.
– **Use Buttermilk for Extra Tenderness:** Buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the fish, giving it a richer, juicier texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

### Variations

– **Lemon Pepper Fried Catfish:** Replace the cayenne pepper and paprika with lemon zest and cracked black pepper for a milder, citrusy version of fried catfish.
– **Crispy Fish Tacos:** Use the fried catfish fillets as the base for spicy fish tacos. Top with **shredded cabbage**, **sour cream**, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.
– **Spicy Cajun Fried Catfish:** Add Cajun seasoning to the cornmeal mixture for a deeper, smokier flavor profile. You can also sprinkle some Cajun seasoning on the fish after frying for an extra kick.

### Final Thoughts

**Spicy Fried Catfish** is a true Southern classic that brings together crispy, spicy, and flavorful elements in every bite. The seasoned coating and tender fish are a perfect match, making it a go-to recipe for seafood lovers and those who appreciate bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re frying it up for a weeknight meal or serving it at a family gathering, Spicy Fried Catfish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness that only fried catfish can offer!