Zesty Lemon Pepper Fried Catfish
There’s something magical about a plate of hot, crispy fried catfish straight from the skillet. That golden crust, the flaky interior, and that bright pop of lemon pepper make this dish irresistible. This Zesty Lemon Pepper Fried Catfish recipe takes a Southern staple and gives it a fresh, citrusy kick that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
If you’re craving comfort food that feels both indulgent and vibrant, this recipe delivers. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. Let’s dive into why this one has become a staple in my kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
As a food writer and home cook, I’m always chasing that perfect balance of flavor and texture. This recipe nails it:
- Crispy cornmeal crust with the perfect crunch
- Bright lemon pepper flavor that cuts through the richness
- Tender, flaky catfish inside
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
It reminds me of the bold Southern flavors you’d find in a comforting bowl of This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort. That same deep-rooted, down-home goodness shines through here.
Ingredients
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
No Buttermilk?
Regular milk works perfectly fine. You can also add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk.
Prefer Extra Crunch?
Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the flour mixture.
Spice It Up:
Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the egg wash if you like heat.
Fish Substitutes:
While catfish is traditional, this coating works beautifully on tilapia or even shrimp.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine:
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix thoroughly.
2. Make the Egg Wash
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
3. Coat the Catfish
Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Then press it firmly into the cornmeal mixture, coating both sides evenly.
Place coated fillets on a plate while you heat the oil.
4. Heat the Oil
Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet.
Heat over medium-high until it reaches about 350°F. (If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in a pinch of coating—if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready.)
5. Fry the Catfish
Carefully place the fillets into the hot oil.
Fry 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if needed.
6. Drain and Serve
Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
Tips for Perfect Fried Catfish
- Pat fish dry before dipping to help coating stick better.
- Don’t flip too early. Let the crust set before turning.
- Maintain oil temperature. If it drops too low, the fish absorbs oil and gets soggy.
- Season immediately after frying for an extra flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Fried catfish pairs beautifully with Southern sides and refreshing drinks.
For a full comfort spread, try it alongside:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Buttery cornbread
- Southern-style green beans
If you’re hosting, start with This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests before serving your catfish as the main event.
For a refreshing drink pairing, I highly recommend This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days. The bright citrus notes complement the lemon pepper perfectly.
Want to turn dinner into a Southern feast? Add a side inspired by These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays for a hearty gathering-style meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
Values will vary depending on oil absorption and exact ingredient brands used.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
For best texture, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it softens the crust.
Freezing:
You can freeze cooked fillets for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best results.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this crispy Southern classic, check out:
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
Final Thoughts
This Zesty Lemon Pepper Fried Catfish is everything comfort food should be—crispy, flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aroma and brings everyone to the table fast.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your twists, spice additions, or favorite side pairings. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to follow along for more Southern-inspired favorites and crave-worthy comfort food classics.
Happy cooking!
— Jason Griffith
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