Lodge Cast Iron Fried Catfish

INGREDIENTS
Catfish
• 4 pounds catfish fillets, cut in half
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 quarts vegetable oil
• 2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Tartar Sauce
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon sweet and spicy relish
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

PREPARATION
1. Season all sides of catfish with salt and pepper. Place in a bowl and coat with buttermilk. Refrigerate while prepping other ingredients.
2. Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne.
3. While heating oil over medium heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, combine all ingredients for tartar sauce. Mix and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate.
4. Remove catfish from buttermilk and allow extra to drip off. Dip catfish pieces, one at a time, into the flour mixture and shake off excess.
5. Fry the catfish for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown, turning halfway through. Allow catfish to drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.

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