Salt and Pepper Fried Catfish Recipe
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Servings:
4 Servings
Ingredients
  • 1 pound catfish
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 4 cups + 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or other neutral oil), for frying, divided
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup potato starch
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 scallions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green chiles, sliced
  • 2 dried Thai chiles, seeded and roughly chopped
Directions
  1. Slice the catfish into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Combine the Shaoxing wine and sesame oil in a bowl.
  3. Add the catfish and marinate for 20 minutes.
  4. Heat 4 cups oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  5. To test the oil, carefully drop a piece of flour into the oil. When it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
  6. Combine the potato starch, flour, baking soda, white pepper, salt, and eggs in a bowl.
  7. Remove the catfish from the wine marinade and add it to the batter. Toss to coat.
  8. When the oil is hot, add the catfish and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Work in batches, as needed.
  9. Remove the catfish from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
  10. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a wok.
  11. Add the scallions, garlic, and chiles and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Do not allow the garlic to burn.
  12. Add the catfish and toss with the aromatics.
  13. Remove from the heat and serve immediately.