Southern-Style Fried Fish Secrets – Crispy, Flavorful, and Oh So Good!
Hey y’all! It’s your girl BLovesLife, and today I’m gonna share my Southern-style fried catfish recipe that I’m super proud of. This dish isn’t just delicious — it’s unbelievably easy to make too!
( If you enjoyed this post and want to try the ingredients and tools that helped shape the Bloveslife brand, feel free to check them out below! Every view or purchase you make is a way of supporting Blove’s passion and dedication to the community.
- 7.5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven: https://amzn.to/4dcUqms
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- Bamboo Seasonings Box with Mini Spoon: https://amzn.to/4dfHzA6 )
Step 1: Prep the Fish – The Most Important Part!
First things first, wash your fish and pat it completely dry. That’s the secret to getting that perfect crispy coating!
Here’s what I do differently — I cut the fish in half. Why? Because it helps the fish cook evenly and fry way faster!
Once the fish is prepped, put it in a large bowl and season it to your liking. I’ll be showing y’all exactly what seasonings I use in the video!
Step 2: The Magic Coating Mix
Okay baby! This is the part most people overlook, but it’s the key to that golden CRUNCH!
I mix cornmeal, cornstarch, and all my favorite seasonings in a big bowl. Then, I use my hands to coat every piece of fish evenly.
Remember — this is a dry mix, so make sure it sticks to every inch of that fish, no spots left behind!
Step 3: Temperature – The Secret to Perfection
Y’all, listen to me: use a thermometer! I promise it’ll change your fried fish game forever. Your fish won’t be dry — it’ll stay moist inside while the outside gets crispy and golden, just like we love it in the South!
Perfect frying temperature: 350–365°F (175–185°C)
I preheated my oil to 365°F. Always test the temperature before dropping your fish in.
Since my pieces are thin, they fry up super fast! Adjust your time depending on the thickness of your fish, but keep that oil between 350–365°F.
Step 4: Frying Technique – Don’t Overcrowd That Pan!
Y’all already know — DO NOT CROWD THE PAN!
That’s the number one mistake people make. If you add too much fish at once, it drops the oil temperature and you’ll lose that golden crisp we’re going for.
I recommend using a wire rack like this to let the fish drain after frying so it stays crunchy. If you don’t have one, paper towels work fine too!
The Results: Golden, Golden, Golden!
And here it is, y’all — just 6 minutes!
I had Alexis set a timer for 6 minutes, and that’s the perfect frying time for my thin catfish.
Look at that color! That’s what I’m talking about — golden and crispy perfection. And trust me, it tastes even better than it looks!
Bonus: Crispy Tilapia Version
I also fried up some tilapia using the same cornmeal mix. These pieces are thicker and meatier, y’all!
I know some people don’t like tilapia, but hey — to each their own! I don’t eat it often, but when I do... Whew! It’s so good!
Special Highlight: My Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce
When I tell you it’s SO GOOD — believe me! This is my signature Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce!
I’m currently working with a manufacturer, and it’s set to launch next year — stay tuned, y’all!
It’s spicy, sweet, and full of flavor — perfect for heat lovers like me. Paired with crispy fried fish? Y’all, I could eat this all day long!
Time to Enjoy!
Just look at that close-up of the tilapia — crispy, fresh, right out the fryer. The meat flakes apart with just a fork, and when you dip it into that hot sauce...
If you know, you know!
I was gonna add some greens on the side, but honestly? The fish alone is everything!
Final Thoughts
Y’all, don’t doubt it till you try it — Don’t knock it till you try it!
Make this Southern-style fried fish at home, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s authentic, full of flavor, crispy to perfection, and absolutely irresistible!
Thank y’all so much for watching! See y’all later! Bye!
P.S. I’m craving some crab legs, eggs, and shrimp right now... You know your girl’s a foodie! And of course — gotta have that lemon! 🍋
BLovesLife’s Golden Tips:
✅ Cut your fish thin so it cooks fast and evenly
✅ Use a thermometer (350–365°F)
✅ Don’t overcrowd the pan
✅ Fry for 6 minutes for thin fish
✅ Let it drain on a rack or paper towel
Baby, this catfish is so good, so flavorful!
