Gluten-Free Southern Fried Catfish Recipe

Craving that classic Southern comfort food but need to stay gluten-free? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the crispy, flavorful goodness of Southern fried catfish without any gluten. It’s surprisingly easy and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe Works: Traditional fried catfish recipes rely on wheat flour for that crispy coating. We’re swapping that out for a blend of gluten-free flours and cornmeal that creates an even better texture – light, crispy, and perfectly golden brown.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound catfish fillets, cut into serving pieces
• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice/vinegar)
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. In another shallow dish, pour the buttermilk.
3. Dip each catfish fillet into the buttermilk, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Dredge the buttermilk-soaked fillet in the gluten-free flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
5. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). A small piece of the flour mixture should sizzle immediately when dropped in.
6. Carefully place the coated catfish fillets into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
7. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
8. Remove the catfish from the skillet and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Serve immediately with your favorite Southern sides like coleslaw, hushpuppies (gluten-free, of course!), and tartar sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning to the flour mixture.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle slightly.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy catfish. Fry in batches if necessary.
• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil temperature stays consistent.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy gluten-free Southern fried catfish! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Search for “gluten free fried catfish” or “southern gluten free recipes” for more delicious ideas.

Ingredients:
catfish fillets, gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, yellow cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, buttermilk, oil

Tags:
gluten-free, catfish, fried catfish, southern food, gluten-free recipes, southern recipes, gluten-free fried catfish, fish recipe, seafood, dinner, lunch, recipe, cornmeal, buttermilk, gluten-free all-purpose flour, easy recipe, crispy, comfort food