Anybody got a good one? I like the Louisiana stuff in the blue bag, but the little lady is allergic to msg, so that's out. Whatcha all got?

I guess I'm old fashioned, but I like plain corn meal and salt. I've never tried it but understand white corn meal works well, too, as opposed to yellow corn meal. Add a little Tony C's if you want it spicey.

3 parts bread crumb
2 parts cornmeal
1 part flour
season to taste with garlic powder, season salt, and cayenne pepper.

They make one without msg, but has different seasonings I think.

You said batter, not a breading. Try making a pancake mix using half cornmeal and half flour, with a little sugar, salt,
baking powder but use a canned milk. Cut the fillets into finger size strips. Dip and deep fry.

We always used cornmeal, salt, pepper, and a little cayenne. I don't have any specific measurements. Just know when it is right.

another vote for seasoned corn meal here...

FRIED CATFISH BREADING/COATING

1 cup yellow cornmeal or half and half yellow cornmeal and cracker crumbs. If you use crackers, omit the salt.
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Beat an egg or two and dip your fish, then roll it in your coating. If you want extra thick coating, do it again.


BEER BATTER

1 can beer
1 egg (or if it turns out too greasy, two egg whites)
1 cup self rising flour
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Beat all ingredients and have an extra plate to the side of plain flour.. 1/4 to 1/2 cup maximum.

Dredge the fish in the flour, shake off the excess, then in the batter. Then fry. It helps your batter stick to the fish.





HUSH PUPPIES
These are a necessity with fried catfish. And you can use this batter without the veggies to fry your fish in, and when you have all the fish done, add your finely chopped veggies. It's also a great thing to dip hot dogs or little smokies in and fry.

3/4 cup yellow corn meal
3/4 cup self-rising flour
1/3 cup milk or beer or buttermilk
1 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 egg
1/2 small chopped onion
1 tsp. garlic powder
Squirt of mustard

Optional ingredients:
1/2 bell pepper chopped
1/2 cup whole kernel corn

Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and soda. Beat egg. Add milk then add to dry mixture. Stir in onion. Batter should be stiff. If batter is too dry, add more liquids or if too liquid, add flour. Drop by small spoonfuls into deep hot oil.


Now here's where you play with my recipes. Any time I call for salt and pepper, try an equal amount of lemon pepper. Or Slap ya mama seasoning. Or a combination. Or add in some crab boil. I can't honestly tell you how I make my breading because it's a spoonful of this, a dash of that, and how I'm feeling at the time, standing in front of my spice pantry going "that sounds good". But this is a good start. Play with it!

^

Thanks everyone, gonna give it a try next time I fry fish

I salt and pepper the fish and then put it in a ziplock with cornmeal and shake.

No biggie as most people do that.

BUT�. one thing I've started doing though is letting the fish sit, covered in the cornmeal,
for 4 or 5 hours or overnight and then pan fry it. Makes a difference that I like.

Panko Breadcrumbs. The closest thing to describing them is dehydrated breadcrumbs. They give you the absolute best crunch ever.

To use:

Soak meat in milk, cover in flour, return floured meat to milk, transfer to Panko breadcrumbs. Coat evenly. Fry.

Add seasoning to flour. I usually use Cajun Seasoning.

Good seasoning should have a dried red pepper of some kind, dried onion, and dried garlic as it's base.


Basic tips:
Soak meat in milk for at least 30 minutes.
You should let the floured meat rest until all the flour gets moist. This should allow easier breading and minimize the "dough".
Let the Panko breaded meat rest as well before frying.

Panko works great for chicken fried steak, shrimp, chicken, and of course fish.

Sounds awesome.

One packet of uncle bucks hot/spicy 5LB yellow corn meal and 8 onces salt that will let you be ready for this fry and the next.

BAM!