Homemade Hillbilly Fish Fry Seasoning – Southern-Style Crispy Fish
This homemade hillbilly fish fry seasoning is the perfect blend of cornmeal, spices, and herbs to give your fried fish a golden, crispy coating packed with Southern flavor. Whether you’re frying catfish, tilapia, or shrimp, this seasoning brings out the best in every bite. Skip the store-bought mixes and enjoy this fresh, homemade blend that’s easy to customize and store for future fish fries.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (for seasoning and batter)
- Whisk or spoon (for mixing)
- Deep skillet or fryer
- Tongs or spatula
- Wire rack or paper towels (for draining excess oil)
Ingredients
- For the Fish Fry Seasoning Mix:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika for color and smoky flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- ½ tsp dried thyme optional, for a herbal touch
- For Frying the Fish:
- 1 lb catfish tilapia, or whitefish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning Mix:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and thyme.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning distribution.
- Coat the Fish:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
- Dip the fish fillets into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Dredge the fish in the seasoning mix, pressing lightly to help the coating stick.
- Fry the Fish:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry each fish fillet for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot with tartar sauce, coleslaw, hush puppies, or cornbread.
Notes
Extra Crispy Option: Double dip the fish in buttermilk and seasoning for an extra crunchy coating.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour.
Spicy Version: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning or extra cayenne pepper for heat.
Storage: Store leftover seasoning mix in an airtight jar for up to 3 months.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour.
Spicy Version: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning or extra cayenne pepper for heat.
Storage: Store leftover seasoning mix in an airtight jar for up to 3 months.