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Pan-Fried Lemon Butter Catfish

Discover the deliciousness of Zesty Pan-Fried Lemon Butter Catfish—a perfect seafood dish that's both easy to make and impressive to serve! This recipe features flaky catfish coated in a crispy blend of flour and cornmeal, paired with a vibrant lemon butter sauce that enhances its rich flavor. Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, this healthy dish is ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. Elevate your cooking with this flavorful and nutritious meal!
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Ingredients
  

4 catfish fillets (about 6 oz each)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lemon (zest and juice)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure an even coating.

    Coat the Catfish: Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Dredge each fillet in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.

      Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and start to foam, but make sure it doesn’t brown.

        Fry the Fillets: Carefully add the coated catfish fillets to the hot skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, flipping them gently with a spatula. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

          Add Lemon: In the last minute of cooking, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the fillets and add the lemon zest, allowing it to infuse flavor into the fish.

            Serve: Once cooked, remove the catfish from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | 4 servings