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Maryland's Best - Linking Maryland Farmers & Watermen with Consumers
Taste of Maryland

Crispy Maryland Blue Catfish

Blue catfish are an invasive species, introduced into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed decades ago. The bad news is that they are diminishing our native aquatic life like blue crabs, striped bass, American shad, and yellow perch. The good news is that these invaders are delicious. Put your apron on and get ready to help the Bay by cooking up some crispy blue catfish.
This Maryland blue catfish recipe uses classic Old Bay or J.O. Crab Seasoning and is fried to crispy perfection.
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Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. blue catfish fillets
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • canola oil for frying
  • 1 cup ground yellow cornmeal
  • 2 eggs
  • 2-3 tsp Old Bay or J.O. Crab Seasoning  (or to taste)
  • lemon wedges
  • tartar sauce
  • salt

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Whip the eggs and milk together and add Old Bay or J.O. Crab Seasoning.
  2. Step 2: Mix the cornmeal and flour together and place on a plate.
  3. Step 3: Dip fillets in the seasoned egg mixture and place on the cornmeal/flour mixture, sprinkling the top of the filet with the dry mixture and pressing it in with your hand.
  4. Step 4: Place prepared fillets on a baking sheet and let stand for 15 minutes
  5. Step 5: Preheat oil to 350 degrees on medium heat in a heavy cast iron skillet and carefully place fillets in oil when it is hot (to avoid crowding you may have to cook fish in batches). Fry until golden brown and crispy. About 2-3 minutes per side. Fish is done when it can be easily flaked with a fork. Place cooked fish on a plate lined with a paper towel and season with salt and a squirt of lemon juice. Serve with tartar sauce and enjoy!