Catfish Fingers

SERVES: 4

COOK TIME: 15 Min

Southern-style fried catfish has a particular taste that's often hard to imitate, but after lots of tries, we cracked the code. By combining eggs and sour cream as the base, the cornmeal sticks better and each finger has a little extra flavor.

What You'll Need

2 eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper, divided
1 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, divided
1 teaspoon salt, divided
2 cups self-rising cornmeal
1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 pounds catfish fillets, cut into 1-inch strips

What to Do

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; beat well. In another shallow dish, combine the cornmeal and the remaining 1 teaspoon ground red pepper, 1 teaspoon parsley, and 3/4 teaspoon salt; mix well.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Dip the catfish fingers in the egg mixture then in the cornmeal mixture, coating completely.
Cook the catfish fingers in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Drain on a paper towel-lined platter. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you want even more classic Southern recipes, be sure to check out our free eCookbook, Down-Home Cookin': 24 Easy Southern Favorites.

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Spikeygrrl

Oct 30, 2012

"Self-rising cornmeal"? Who knew?! For anyone else who has never heard of this, here's how to make your own: http://www.food.com/recipe/self-rising-cornmeal-255005

Cooky45

Aug 15, 2012

Mr. Food, I would love to see more pictures with the recipes..........would that be possible?? (smile)

BearStar55 9172161

Feb 19, 2012

I would call this '' Catfish Tenders " instead of Catfish Fingers! Everyone knows that Catfish don't have fingers! If they did they would be able to unbait the fishing lines and not get caught! LOL :))

t5346 2394074

Aug 22, 2012

That's cute! I haven't really worked with a lot of catfish before as we are "land locked", does it have a really "fishy taste? or more like tilipia?

rhmaustin

Oct 30, 2012

Catfish has its own peculiar, unique flavor, not real fishy, but not everyone likes it either. Buy a small filet of catfish, coat it with cornmeal (it doesn't have to be self-rising), fry, and taste to see if you like it. I'm a Southerner, and we generally love catfish. Just be sure you buy farm raised catfish, because catfish are bottom feeders, and you won't like the taste of any that isn't farm raised.

Spikeygrrl

Oct 30, 2012

I'm still laughing! Thanks, I needed that :)