Pan-Seared Catfish with Hot Water Cornbread and Fried Green Tomatoes
Golden pan-seared catfish served alongside traditional hot water cornbread and tangy fried green tomatoes for a southern classic plate. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 55 minutes pairs (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 (6 oz each) catfish fillets
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup, boiling hot water
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 3 medium, sliced 1/2 inch thick green tomatoes
- 3 cups, divided vegetable oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2, beaten eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (for dredging)
Instructions
- Step 1: To make hot water cornbread, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl. Carefully pour in 3/4 cup boiling hot water and 1/4 cup buttermilk, stirring until a thick batter forms. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Spoon batter into 6 small rounds in the skillet and cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove and keep warm.
- Step 3: Season 4 catfish fillets with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup cornmeal. Dip each fillet in beaten 2 eggs, then dredge in the flour-cornmeal mixture.
- Step 4: Heat remaining 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry catfish fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: For fried green tomatoes, dip 3 sliced green tomatoes first in beaten egg, then in the flour-cornmeal mixture. Fry in the same oil for 2-3 minutes per side until crisp and golden. Drain and serve alongside catfish and hot water cornbread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Hot Water Cornbread and Fried Green Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 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-Seared Catfish with Hot Water 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 (6 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Hot Water 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-Seared Catfish with Hot Water 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-Seared Catfish with Hot Water 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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