Dolly Partons Pan Fried Catfish Recipe

Dive into Dolly Parton's family recipe for crispy, golden pan-fried catfish! This classic Southern dish, straight from her cookbook "Dolly's Dixie Fixin's," is as simple as it is delicious. Dolly reminisces about catfish being a staple at those all-day singings, and this recipe captures that authentic flavor. Serve this unforgettable catfish with our recommended sides: fluffy hushpuppies, sweet corn on the cob, and creamy coleslaw for a truly unforgettable Southern feast.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 736.2 kcal
Protein 155g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Dolly Partons Pan Fried Catfish 37

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Dolly Partons Pan Fried Catfish

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How to Make Dolly Partons Pan Fried Catfish

  1. Wash 6 catfish fillets (about 6 oz each) in cold water and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
  2. Melt 1 cup of lard or shortening in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until it reaches a depth of 3/4 inch. Use a candy thermometer to monitor temperature, aiming for approximately 350°F (175°C).
  3. While the lard/shortening is melting, pour 1 1/2 cups of cornmeal into a large, shallow dish.
  4. Season both sides of each catfish fillet generously with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Dredge each fillet in the cornmeal, ensuring it's fully coated, then gently shake off any excess.
  5. Once the melted fat is hot (but not smoking), carefully slide the catfish fillets into the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Fry the fillets for approximately 4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets.
  7. Remove the cooked fillets from the skillet using a slotted spatula and place them on a platter lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
  8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges (about 6) and your favorite catfish sauce.
  9. Don't forget the quintessential Southern sides! Serve with a generous helping of hushpuppies, corn on the cob, and coleslaw.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

11 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

43g

Carbs

5g