Name: Gullah Fried Fish Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Gullah Geechee
Ingredients: 2 lbs catfish or whiting fillets; 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; Vegetable oil for frying; Lemon wedges for serving; Hot sauce for serving

Crispy, golden fried fish with a perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust. This Gullah fried fish recipe is a Lowcountry Friday night tradition.

Ingredients

2 lbs catfish or whiting fillets
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
Vegetable oil for frying
Lemon wedges for serving
Hot sauce for serving

Instructions

Rinse fish fillets and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt.
In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
In another dish, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
Heat 1 inch of oil in a large cast iron skillet to 350°F.
Dip each fillet in buttermilk mixture, then dredge in cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Carefully place fillets in hot oil. Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with lemon wedges and hot sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: Catfish is traditional, but whiting, trout, or any white fish works. The key is getting the oil to the right temperature — too low and the fish gets greasy.