Catfish Feast from Captain D's features crispy, golden-fried catfish fillets paired with seasoned fries and creamy coleslaw, delivering a satisfying combination of crunchy, tender, and tangy flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Colander (for draining catfish)
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Serving trays/plates
- Spoons (for coleslaw)
- Measuring cups
- Food thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 lb catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing your catfish fillets, soaking them in buttermilk helps tenderize the fish and enhances the coating's adherence. Use a mixture of cornmeal and all-purpose flour with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a flavorful, crispy crust. Ensure the vegetable oil is heated to the correct temperature by using a food thermometer to achieve perfectly fried catfish without being greasy. For the fries, russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, and seasoning them with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper boosts their taste. Your homemade Catfish Feast from Captain D's copycat menu can rival the original with these carefully selected ingredients and techniques.
Instructions
- Prepare catfish fillets by patting dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and catfish fillets; marinate for 30 minutes.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Set up the deep fryer; heat vegetable oil to 350°F.
- Remove catfish from buttermilk and dredge in the cornmeal-flour mixture, coating evenly.
- Drain excess flour mixture using a colander.
- Using tongs, place coated catfish fillets into the fryer basket.
- Fry catfish fillets for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temp 145°F).
- Remove fillets with tongs and drain on serving trays lined with paper towels.
- Scrub and cut russet potatoes into fries using a chef’s knife and cutting board.
- In a mixing bowl, toss fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Fry seasoned fries in the deep fryer at 350°F until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain fries on a serving tray lined with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper to make coleslaw dressing.
- Pour dressing over cabbage and carrots; toss with spoons until well coated.
- Assemble the Catfish Feast on plates: place catfish fillets, a serving of seasoned fries, and a scoop of creamy coleslaw.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Catfish Feast from Captain D's copycat menu offers crispy fried catfish fillets paired with seasoned fries and creamy coleslaw. You can substitute catfish with tilapia or cod fillets if unavailable, adjusting frying time accordingly for thinner or thicker fish. If you lack buttermilk, combine regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a quick alternative. Vegetable oil for frying can be replaced with peanut or canola oil for a higher smoke point. For a healthier option, oven-bake the fries and fish instead of deep frying, ensuring you still achieve a crispy texture by coating the fillets in cornmeal and flour mix.
Tips
Make sure to marinate the catfish fillets in buttermilk for the full 30 minutes to tenderize the fish and enhance flavor. Monitor the oil temperature closely at 350degF to ensure the catfish and fries cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture without absorbing excess oil. Using a food thermometer to check the catfish's internal temperature reaches 145degF guarantees it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Remember to drain the fried items on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep your meal crisp.
Nutritions
The Catfish Feast from Captain D's provides a rich source of protein from the golden-fried catfish fillets, essential for muscle repair and growth. The seasoned fries contribute carbohydrates and dietary fiber, especially due to the use of russet potatoes, which support energy levels and digestive health. Creamy coleslaw incorporates shredded cabbage and carrots, adding vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants and fiber to aid your immune system and promote gut health. This meal balances macronutrients but is higher in fats and sodium, so enjoy it mindfully within your overall diet.
Storage
Store leftover catfish fillets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain crispiness and freshness. Keep the seasoned fries in a separate container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and reheat them in an oven or air fryer for optimal texture. Store coleslaw in a sealed container and consume within 24 hours to preserve its creamy and tangy flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the crispy catfish by substituting panko breadcrumbs for cornmeal to achieve a lighter, crunchier texture. Instead of deep-frying, try oven-baking the fillets at 400degF for 15-20 minutes to reduce oil usage while maintaining crispiness. Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for fries to add natural sweetness and increase fiber content. Mixing Greek yogurt into the coleslaw dressing can make it tangier and healthier by cutting down on mayonnaise.
Allergies
Your Catfish Feast may pose allergy risks due to common allergens such as fish (catfish fillets), eggs (mayonnaise in the coleslaw), and wheat (all-purpose flour used in the breading). Individuals with seafood allergies should avoid catfish, while those sensitive to gluten or egg-based products should exercise caution. Cross-contact during frying with vegetable oil may also affect those with multiple food sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Captain D's Catfish Feast menu is favored for its perfectly seasoned, crispy fried catfish paired with golden hushpuppies and creamy coleslaw, delivering a balanced Southern seafood experience. The dish features farm-raised catfish fillets coated in a flavorful cornmeal batter, ensuring a tender and flaky texture inside with a satisfying crunch outside. You'll find the Catfish Feast offers an authentic taste of soul food at an affordable price, making it a popular choice for seafood lovers seeking comfort and quality. Replicating this recipe at home allows you to enjoy the same savory flavors with the convenience of customizing seasoning and freshness to your preference.