Dinner / December 28, 2022

Fried Buffalo Fish

A Southern staple is fried Buffalo fish. Buffalo fish is a fresh-water fish that is found regionally in the southern midwest of the US. Buffalo fish are bony fish, however the "ribs" only have a few long bones. The locals eat the Buffalo fish ribs just like how you eat beef or pork ribs, with their hands. What makes this recipe "just right" is the seasonings on the fish and the accoutrements that are served along with it; yellow mustard and Louisiana hot sauce (no substitutions allowed ;-)). Often served along with the fish is coleslaw, hush puppies and french fries. Note for a healthier option, you could use an air fryer, if you have one. You can also use catfish or whiting if you're not from this region of the US.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Dinner

Cuisine Southern

Servings 4

Equipment

cast iron skillet
large bowl
sheet pan
candy thermometer

Ingredients

1 lb Buffalo fish "ribs"
2 cups organic cornmeal
1 tsp kosher salt Diamond Crystal https://amzn.to/3ZRuGXG **
1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
organic avocado oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
Rinse the fish until the water runs clear. Pat dry.
Season the fish with 1/2 tsp of salt. In a large bowl, mix the corneal, remainder of the salt, black pepper, garlic and onion powder. Place the fish in the bowl (a few at a time), and coat.
Pour the avocado oil into a large cast iron skillet with 2 inches of oil. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 360 degrees F (or until the fish immediately sizzles when you place it in the pan). Make sure the temperature doesn't drop below 350 and go above 370 degrees. Fry for 3 minutes on each side (or until it's golden brown). Place on the sheet pan with paper towels and place in the oven to keep warm until you've completed frying all of the fish. Serve this fish with yellow mustard and Louisiana hot sauce for dipping. Enjoy with coleslaw, hush puppies and french fries.

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Fried Buffalo Fish