Spicy Fried Catfish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Catfish:
   • Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
   • Season both sides of the fillets with salt and black pepper.
2. Create the Dredge Mixture:
   • In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
3. Dredge the Catfish:
   • Dredge each catfish fillet in the seasoned cornmeal mixture, pressing the mixture onto the fillets to ensure they are well-coated. Shake off any excess.
4. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the catfish fillets to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Catfish:
   • Carefully place the coated catfish fillets into the hot oil, a few at a time, depending on the size of your skillet or fryer. Be cautious to avoid overcrowding, which can result in uneven frying.
   • Fry the catfish for 3-5 minutes per side or until the coating is golden brown and the fish is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
6. Drain and Serve:
   • Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried catfish from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
   • Serve the spicy fried catfish hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy your Spicy Fried Catfish as a delicious main course with a side of coleslaw, hushpuppies, or your preferred side dishes. Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mixture.