ChefXi OfficialA golden, crispy bounty of the coast featuring cornmeal-crusted catfish, succulent shrimp, and savory onion-flecked hush puppies served alongside classic crinkle-cut fries.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, cajun seasoning, and baking powder. This will be your dry base for both the breading and the hush puppies.
Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a lighter, crispier crust.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk. Remove 1/4 cup of the dry cornmeal mixture and stir it into the egg/milk mixture along with the minced onion to create a thick hush puppy batter. Let this sit for 10 minutes.
Letting the batter rest allows the cornmeal to hydrate, preventing gritty hush puppies.
Pat the catfish strips and shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with a pinch more cajun seasoning.
Dry seafood is the key to breading that actually sticks.
Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the crinkle-cut fries in batches until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
Keep the fries warm in a low oven while you finish the seafood.
Dredge the catfish strips and shrimp in the remaining dry cornmeal mixture, pressing firmly to coat. Fry the fish for 3-4 minutes and the shrimp for 2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.
Don't overcrowd the pot, or the oil temperature will drop and make the seafood soggy.
Drop rounded tablespoons of the hush puppy batter into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until dark golden brown and cooked through.
Use a small cookie scoop for perfectly uniform hush puppies.
The secret to a perfect Southern fry is the oil temperature; keep it at 350°F (175°C) to ensure the seafood stays crisp and doesn't get greasy. For the best flavor, use fresh catfish fillets if available. Respect the lineage of this dish by serving it with a side of tangy tartar sauce and malt vinegar. Inspired by Capt Barney's Southern Seafood Basket.
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Prices shown reflect the estimated cost of the portion used in this recipe, not the full item price. Actual costs may vary by store and location.