Pan-Fried Catfish with Buttermilk Cornbread and Fried Green Tomatoes
This Southern-inspired dinner features tender pan-fried catfish paired with buttery buttermilk cornbread and tangy fried green tomatoes for a true Memphis soul food experience. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 60 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, cornmeal, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 3 medium, sliced 1/2 inch thick green tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then pour batter into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 2: While cornbread bakes, season 4 catfish fillets with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Dredge each fillet in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
- Step 3: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry catfish fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, flipping carefully. Remove and keep warm.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add remaining 1/2 cup vegetable oil and heat over medium. Dredge 3 sliced green tomatoes in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: Serve the pan-fried catfish alongside warm buttermilk cornbread and fried green tomatoes for a balanced, flavorful Southern dinner.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Catfish with Buttermilk Cornbread and Fried Green Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Catfish with Buttermilk Cornbread and Fried Green Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cornmeal from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Catfish with Buttermilk Cornbread and Fried Green Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Fried Catfish with Buttermilk Cornbread and Fried Green Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Fried Catfish with Buttermilk Cornbread and Fried Green Tomatoes?
Southern seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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