Golden crispy fried catfish fillet garnished with garlic and herbs

Crispy Garlic Fried Catfish Fillet

Name: Crispy Garlic Fried Catfish Fillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 500 g Catfish fillets (fresh or thawed); 3 pieces Garlic cloves (fresh, minced); 100 g All-purpose flour; 100 g Breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness); 1 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground); 0.5 teaspoon Paprika (optional for a smoky flavor); 500 ml Vegetable oil (for frying); 2 pieces Lemon wedges (for serving)

Home Page / Delicious Fry Recipes / How to Fry Catfish

easy

15 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs10gram

Fat15gram

Protein30gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Catfish fillets (fresh or thawed)500 g
Garlic cloves (fresh, minced)3 pieces
All-purpose flour100 g
Breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)100 g
Salt1 teaspoon
Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 teaspoon
Paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)0.5 teaspoon
Vegetable oil (for frying)500 ml
Lemon wedges (for serving)2 pieces

This easy-to-follow recipe shows you how to make crispy garlic fried catfish fillet that's packed with flavor. Perfect for beginner cooks or anyone wanting a quick, delicious fish dish using simple ingredients. You'll learn the importance of safe cooking temperatures and how to handle fish properly to avoid cross-contamination. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD / €11 / £9 / ₹950. Each serving contains about 350 kcal. This dish is gluten-friendly if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, moderately healthy, and quick to prepare with an overall cooking time under 25 minutes. Difficulty level is easy.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Catfish Fillets

1Rinse the catfish fillets under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture for a crispier fry and safe handling.

Prepare the Coating Mixtures

2In one shallow dish, mix the flour with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. In another dish, place the breadcrumbs. Mince the garlic finely and keep aside.

Set Up for Dredging

3Preheat your frying oil in a deep pan or skillet to 175°C (350°F). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature for safe and even cooking.

Coat the Fillets

4Sprinkle the minced garlic over the fillets and rub gently. Then dredge each fillet first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, and then in the breadcrumbs to coat completely.

Fry the Catfish

5Carefully place the coated fillets into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 63°C (145°F) for fish to be safely cooked.

Drain and Serve

6Remove fried fillets using tongs and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Cooking Tips

1To avoid cross-contamination, use separate utensils and cutting boards for fish and other ingredients.

2Fresh catfish should smell mild, never fishy or sour—choose fresh fillets when shopping.

3If you don't have a thermometer, pierce the thickest part with a fork; the flesh should be opaque and separate easily.

4For gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Equipment

Frying pan or deep skillet
Cooking thermometer
Two shallow dishes for coating
Tongs or slotted spoon
Paper towels

Shopping List

[ ] Catfish fillets (around 500g) ~ $8
[ ] Fresh garlic cloves (3 pieces) ~ $0.50
[ ] All-purpose flour (100g) ~ $0.20
[ ] Breadcrumbs (preferably panko, 100g) ~ $1.00
[ ] Salt ~ $0.10
[ ] Black pepper ~ $0.20
[ ] Paprika (optional) ~ $0.50
[ ] Vegetable oil (for frying, 500 ml) ~ $2.00
[ ] Lemon (2 pieces) ~ $1.00

Tips: Choose fresh, mild-smelling catfish fillets. Pick firm, unblemished fillets for best quality. Select fresh garlic bulbs that are firm and with no sprouts.