Fried Catfish Sandwiches

Sandwich

Recipe courtesy of Martha's American Food, © Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

Serves 12

Ingredients:

4 cups yellow corn meal
1 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes ½ teaspoon cayenne
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
12 catfish fillets (about 8 ounces each).
cut in half crosswise
24 slices white sandwich bread
Mayonnaise, for serving (optional)
Pickle relish, for serving (optional)
1 Vidalia or other sweet onion, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

Fried Catfish Sandwiches

Click image to enlarge

Method:

Fill a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet with about 2½ inches of oil. Heat over medium until oil registers 365ºF on a deep-fry thermometer. Meanwhile, whisk together cornmeal, red pepper flakes, and cayenne in a shallow dish; season with salt and pepper.

Rinse catfish and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Dredge fillets in cornmeal mixture, turning to coat both sides. Working in batches, carefully submerge fillets in oil and fry until crust is crisp and golden and fish is cooked through, about 3 minutes. With a slotted spatula, transfer to a large plate. To serve, spread bread slices with mayonnaise and/or relish, as desired. Layer with catfish and onion slices.
Serve immediately.