Crispy Catfish and Hush Puppies: The Ultimate Fish Fry Delight!

Are you looking for a comforting Southern-style meal? Fried catfish with hush puppies may just be what you’re craving. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make Missouri-style fried catfish and hush puppies at home.

How to Make Missouri-Style Fried Catfish and Hush Puppies at Home

Selecting the Right Catfish

The first step in making fried catfish is to choose the right type of fish. Many restaurants use an Asian variant called swai or pangasius. However, if you’re looking for better quality, consider using American catfish instead. The freezing process for frozen fish can sometimes damage the flesh, so it’s important to take extra steps to firm up the flesh and mitigate any mushiness.

Preparing the Catfish

Start by thawing two pounds of American catfish. Cut the fish in half on a bias, which means cutting it on an angle. This will give you two halves that are roughly the same weight. Give the fish a brief salting to both firm up the flesh and to season the meat throughout. Let the fish cure for 20 minutes.

Making Hush Puppies

While the catfish cures, prepare the hush puppies. In a medium bowl, combine 65 grams of all-purpose flour, 150 grams of medium to fine grind cornmeal, 8 grams of salt, 10 grams of baking powder, 10 grams of sugar, 2 grams of cayenne pepper, and 75 grams of diced onion. Add in 25 grams of melted butter, one large egg, and 200 grams of buttermilk. Whisk the ingredients together to create a batter that should look like wet spackle. Fry the hush puppies in neutral oil heated to 350°F for about two and a half minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frying the Catfish

After the hush puppies are cooked, it’s time to fry the catfish. Heat two to three quarts of neutral oil in a heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Dredge the catfish in a flour and cornmeal mixture and shake off any excess. Fry the catfish in the oil for about four to six minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Serving

Once the catfish is cooked, remove it from the oil and let any excessive oil drip off. Serve the fried catfish hot with the hush puppies on the side. Enjoy!

Fried catfish with hush puppies is a classic Southern dish that can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to make Missouri-style fried catfish and hush puppies in the comfort of your own home. So what are you waiting for? Get frying!

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