Southern-Style Whole Fried Catfish with Sides

Introduction

This Southern comfort meal features crispy whole fried catfish served with hearty sides like green beans with smoked meat, flavorful dirty rice, creamy potato salad, and toasted wheat bread. Perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings, it’s a plate full of bold, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

For the Whole Fried Catfish:

  • 2 whole catfish, cleaned and gutted

  • 1 cup cornmeal

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika (optional)

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For Green Beans with Smoked Meat:

  • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

  • ½ cup smoked meat (ham hock, bacon, or smoked sausage), chopped

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Dirty Rice: