Fried Catfish with Red Beans & Rice

Here’s a full recipe for Fried Catfish with Red Beans & Rice — a Southern-style comfort dish that’s crispy, hearty, and full of flavor:

🐟 Fried Catfish with Red Beans & Rice

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4

🧂 Ingredients

For the Fried Catfish:

• 4 catfish fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

For the Red Beans & Rice:

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) red beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp thyme
• 1 tsp Creole or Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)

🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice and Beans

1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and Creole seasoning; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add red beans and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in the rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Catfish

1. Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Pour buttermilk into a shallow bowl and add the fillets; let soak for 10–15 minutes.
3. In another bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
5. Remove fillets from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat in the cornmeal mixture.
6. Fry each fillet 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Serve

• Spoon red beans and rice onto each plate.
• Top with a crispy catfish fillet.
• Garnish with lemon wedges, parsley, or green onions.
• Serve hot with hot sauce on the side for extra Southern flair!

💡 Tips & Variations

• Extra Flavor: Add diced andouille sausage to the beans for a smokier taste.
• Lighter Option: Air fry the catfish at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
• Spice Level: Adjust cayenne or use Cajun seasoning for your preferred heat.
• Side Ideas: Serve with coleslaw or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.