Corinne, I'm from the south and this is the best way to make catfish, we really like it, but if you pan fry it or do anything but fry it, it tastes like dirty water, fried catfish is great though, you can use any breading you like, but this is simple and good. Also, you must serve it with hush puppies, fries and cole slaw.....if you want to do it the real Southern way.
Cajun Fried Catfish
2 lb. freshwater catfish fillets
2 c. cornmeal
3 tbsp. Cajun seasoning
1 c. milk
2 eggs
1/4 c. Creole (or brown) mustard
1 c. vegetable oil for frying (preferably peanut oil)
Rinse catfish fillets. Mix cornmeal with Cajun seasoning. In a shallow bowl mix milk, eggs and mustard. Dip catfish fillets in egg mixture then coat well with cornmeal mixture. Work cornmeal mixture into fillets with hands to coat well. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 375 degrees. Fry fillets, 2-3 at a time in hot vegetable oil, turning once. Serve immediately. Serves 4.
