SOUTHERN FRIED CATFISH RECIPE

NATIONAL CATFISH DAY

June 25th • Crispy, Golden & Proudly American

A CELEBRATION OF A TRUE AMERICAN FAVORITE

National Catfish Day honors one of America's most beloved freshwater fish and a culinary tradition deeply rooted in Southern cooking, river towns, and family gatherings.

Whether served at a fish fry, roadside diner, riverside restaurant, or backyard cookout, catfish remains a staple of American comfort food.

SOUTHERN FRIED CATFISH Recipe

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

10 Minutes

Servings

4–6

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs catfish fillets

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Vegetable oil for frying

Garnish

🍋 Lemon wedges

🌿 Fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS

1️⃣ Soak

Place catfish fillets in buttermilk for 15–30 minutes.

2️⃣ Prepare Coating

Combine:

• cornmeal

• flour

• paprika

• garlic powder

• onion powder

• cayenne

• salt

• pepper

3️⃣ Coat Fish

Remove catfish from buttermilk and dredge thoroughly in cornmeal mixture.

4️⃣ Fry

Heat fryer oil to:

350°F

Fry fillets for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

5️⃣ Serve

Drain on paper towels and serve with lemon wedges.

PERFECT SIDES

🥔 Hush Puppies

🌽 Corn on the Cob

🥗 Coleslaw

🍟 French Fries

🫘 Baked Beans

🍉 Watermelon

CATFISH ROAD TRIP:

WHO IS THE CATFISH CAPITAL?

Several destinations proudly claim catfish fame, making this one delicious road trip adventure.

BELZONI, MISSISSIPPI

Belzoni

Often considered the most widely recognized "Catfish Capital of the World."

Why Visit?

🐟 Heart of the Mississippi Delta

🐟 Major catfish farming center

🐟 Home of the World Catfish Festival

🐟 Rich blues music heritage nearby

DES ALLEMANDS, LOUISIANA

Des Allemands

Officially named Catfish Capital of the World in 1975.

Locals later embraced the title:

"Catfish Capital of the Universe"

MELVILLE, LOUISIANA

Melville

Known for:

🎣 Atchafalaya Catfish Festival

🌊 River fishing traditions

🚤 Cajun culture

SAVANNAH, TENNESSEE

Savannah

A favorite destination for anglers fishing the mighty Tennessee River.

SELKIRK, MANITOBA

Selkirk

Known as:

"Catfish Capital of North America"

Home to giant Channel Catfish that attract anglers from around the world.

FUN CATFISH FACTS

Presidential Origins

National Catfish Day was officially proclaimed in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan.

American Favorite

The United States is one of the world's largest producers of farm-raised catfish.

Popular Sport Fish

Catfish are prized by recreational anglers across North America.

Southern Staple

Catfish has been featured in Southern cooking traditions for generations.

FOOD + TRAVEL = GREAT MEMORIES

From Mississippi Delta fish fries to Louisiana bayou festivals and Tennessee river towns, catfish is more than a meal—it's part of the culture and history of America's waterways.

National Catfish Day is a great excuse to explore new destinations, enjoy regional cuisine, and discover the stories behind America's favorite foods.

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HAPPY NATIONAL CATFISH DAY!

Some of the best road trips end with a plate of fried catfish and a story worth telling.