Southern Fried Catfish - Seafood Portal

Ingredients

• 4 Catfish Fillets (approx. 5–6 oz each), fresh or thawed, patted very dry
• 1 cup Buttermilk (full-fat preferred)
• 1 tsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Tabasco or Louisiana style)
• ½ tsp Kosher Salt (for marinade)
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper (for marinade)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Fine Yellow Cornmeal
• 2 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 Tbsp Dried Thyme
• 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
• 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
• 1 Tbsp Creole or Cajun Seasoning
• 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjustable for heat)
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt (for dredge)
• ½ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (for dredge)
• 4–6 cups Peanut Oil, Canola Oil, or Vegetable Shortening (for frying)