Southern Fried Fish

Photo: flickr user Southern Foodways Alliance

Ingredients

8 catfish or bream fillets (about 2 lbs.)

1 qt. water

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

2 cups yellow cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon white pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Vegetable oil

Preparation

Combine first 3 ingredients. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour; drain. Combine cornmeal and next 5 ingredients in a plastic bag. Add fillets, one at a time, shaking well to coat completely. Pour oil to depth of 2 to 3 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 375 degrees. Fry fillets, a few at a time, about 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain well on paper towels. Serve immediately. Yield: 8 servings.