Here’s a flavorful recipe for Southern Oven Fried Catfish with Tartar Sauce. This dish is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for a Southern-inspired meal!
Southern Oven Fried Catfish
Ingredients
For the Catfish:
- 4 catfish fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil
For the Tartar Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Marinate the Catfish:
- In a shallow dish, pour the buttermilk over the catfish fillets, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 15-30 minutes (this helps to tenderize the fish and adds flavor).
3. Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Coat the Catfish:
- Remove each catfish fillet from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the fillets in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
5. Bake the Catfish:
- Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for added crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The coating should be golden and crispy.
6. Make the Tartar Sauce:
- While the catfish is baking, prepare the tartar sauce by mixing together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Serve:
- Serve the oven-fried catfish hot, accompanied by the tartar sauce on the side. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, like coleslaw, fries, or cornbread.
Recipe Notes
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with sides like baked beans, hush puppies, or a fresh green salad.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the coating or try using other types of fish!
Enjoy your delicious Southern Oven Fried Catfish with Tartar Sauce!