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45 minutes Medium

Southern-Fried Catfish Sandwich

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A Southern-Fried Catfish Sandwich is a mouthwatering creation that combines vibrant flavors and textures while paying homage to soul food.

Catfish holds a prominent place in soul food due to its availability and popularity in Southern states, where it is commonly found in rivers, lakes, and ponds. It has been a significant part of Southern culinary traditions for generations. Catfish is often prepared in various ways, including pan-frying, deep-frying, or blackening, and it is typically served alongside classic sides like collard greens, cornbread, mac and cheese, and coleslaw.

Upgrading coleslaw with the addition of bread and butter pickles massively transforms this favorite side dish to a vibrant sandwich topping. By incorporating bread and butter pickles, a tangy, sweet, and acidic element is introduced that harmonizes the rich, golden crispiness of the catfish.

To bring it all together, a dollop of garlic mayonnaise is spread on the bread, adding an aromatic punch and a creamy texture. The components are nestled between two slices of your choice of bread, such as a soft sandwich bun. The bread adds its own texture and taste, complementing the catfish, slaw, and garlic mayo.

Each bite of the Southern-Fried Catfish Sandwich offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The crispy and flavorful catfish, the fresh and tangy slaw, and the garlicky creaminess of the mayo come together to create a satisfying and indulgent sandwich; a quintessential Southern delight that celebrates the flavors of the region in a handheld form.

Southern-Fried Catfish Sandwich
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Southern-Fried Catfish Sandwich

5.0 from 1 vote
Course: MainsCuisine: SouthernDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

45

minutes

Crispy and flavorful catfish, fresh and tangy slaw, and garlicky creaminess of mayo come together to create a satisfying and indulgent sandwich.

Ingredients

  • Southern-Fried Catfish

  • 4 six-ounce catfish fillets

  • 2 cups buttermilk

  • 1 cup flour

  • 1/2 cup cornmeal

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • Bread and Butter Pickle Slaw

  • 3 cups cabbage, chopped

  • 1 cup bread and butter pickles, diced

  • 1 cup carrots, diced

  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced

  • 1/2 cup bread and butter pickle brine

  • 1/2 teaspon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard

  • Garlic Mayonnaise

  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 4 sandwich buns

Directions

  • Southern-Fried Catfish
  • Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and black pepper. Place the catfish fillets in a bowl or shallow dish, and pour the buttermilk overtop. Soak the catfish fillets in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
  • In a separate dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, and chili pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the coating mixture.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to a temperature of approximately 350°F (medium-high heat).
  • Remove each catfish fillet from the buttermilk, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge the fillets in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides. Press the coating gently onto the fish to help it adhere.
  • Carefully place the coated catfish fillets into the hot oil. Fry the fillets for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  • Transfer the catfish fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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  • Bread and Butter Pickle Slaw
  • In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, red onion, and pickles. Toss them together to mix evenly.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the, pickle brine, extra virgin olive oil, whole grain mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
  • Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture in the large bowl. Toss the ingredients together until the vegetables are thoroughly coated with the dressing.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
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  • Garlic Mayonnaise
  • In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic cloves, and lemon juice until well combined.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
  • To Serve
  • Spread garlic mayonnaise on both sides of sandwich bun.
  • Place one southern-fried catfish fillet on the bottom half of the bun.
  • Top with a dollop of of bread and butter pickle slaw.

I find cooking to be inspiring on many different levels. The [culinary] arts connect people, cultures, and generations. In many ways – pun intended – food fuels society forward. It’s so much more than just a literal means for survival. I’ve experienced the importance of food as nourishment for both the mind and body, and I’m pleased to share my positives experiences with you.

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