Fried Catfish Recipe

Directions

Pour the oil into a stockpot or Dutch oven to a depth of at least 1 1/2 inches and heat over medium-high to 375 degrees . Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Place wire racks on 2 baking sheets and set aside. In a wide bowl, mix the corn flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Dip each fillet in the seasoned corn flour, coating it all over but shaking off any excess. Carefully lower each piece into the hot oil. Fill the pot, but do not crowd it. The oil should bubble up around each piece of fish. Monitor the temperature closely so that it stays between 365 degrees F and 375 degrees F . Fry the fillets until they are golden, about 2 or 3 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. Remove the fillets from the oil in the same order that they were immersed, using a wire mesh strainer or any tool that will allow you to hold the fish over the pot as excess grease drains back into the pot. When the fish stops dripping, immediately place the pieces on the prepared baking sheet, then place in the oven. Always wait for the oil to reach the proper temperature again before adding more food to the pot. Continue frying until all of the fish is fried. Serve immediately. Photograph ©iStockPhoto. com/og-vision.