Yankee Transplant's Cornmeal-Breaded Catfish

Ingredients

• 3 lbs catfish nuggets or catfish fillets
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2-1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
• canola oil
• olive oil
• lemon wedge
• hot sauce (I like Frank's)

Directions

1. 1

   Soak fish in milk for 15 minutes.

2. 2

   Heat about 1/2" oil (about a 50/50 mix), in deep skillet (I use my cast iron chicken fryer), until a drop of water sizzles violently but below smoking point.

3. 3

   Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, garlic powder, and Old Bay in a plastic bag.

4. 4

   Shake a few pieces of catfish at a time in the breading then fry in the oil until browned and crisp, turning once. Drain on paper towels then keep hot on warmed plate.

5. 5

   Repeat, frying small batches, until finished.

6. 6

   Serve, passing lemon wedges and hot sauce at the table.

7. 7

   Note -- I recommend cole slaw (try Recipe #209944 or Recipe #239426 ), or a green salad and French or Italian bread to complete the meal.

8. 8

   Note -- For something a little different, try making sandwiches on hard rolls with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce as well as the lemon and hot sauce.

9. 9

   Note -- Its a bit overwhelming for tilapia, perch, and other mild fish but do try it on other strongly-flavored fish.