Ingredients
																
							Scale
													
									
			- 4 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Fillets
 - ¾ cup yellow cornmeal
 - ¼ cup all-purpose flour
 - 2 teaspoons salt
 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
 - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
 - Vegetable oil for frying
 
Hushpuppies
- 1½ cups self-rising cornmeal
 - ½ cup self-rising flour
 - 1 tablespoon sugar
 - 1 teaspoon salt
 - ¼ cup jalapeños, finely chopped (optional)
 - 4 green onions, thinly sliced
 - 1 cup buttermilk
 - 1 large egg, beaten
 - ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
 
Tartar Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
 - 3 tablespoons sweet pickles, finely chopped
 - 2 tablespoons capers, chopped
 - 3 tablespoons green onions (use white bulb of onion), finely chopped; reserve green leaves for making hushpuppies)
 - 2 teaspoons lemon juice
 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
 - Salt and pepper to taste
 
Instructions
- COMBINE cornmeal, flour, salt, cayenne pepper and garlic powder.
 - COAT catfish with mixture, shaking off excess. Fill a large, heavy skillet half full with vegetable oil. Heat to 350° F.
 - ADD catfish in a single layer, and fry until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes, depending on size.
 - REMOVE fish from oil and drain on paper towels.
 - SERVE with Hushpuppies and Tartar Sauce.
 
HUSHPUPPIES
- PREHEAT oil to 350° F. Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar and salt. Mix well.
 - IN a separate bowl, combine jalapeños, onions, buttermilk, egg and cheese. Add to dry ingredients, stirring until just moistened. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes.
 - DROP batter by heaping teaspoons into heated oil and fry, turning hushpuppies to cook evenly, until golden brown.
 
TARTAR SAUCE
- COMBINE mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, capers, green onions, lemon juice and parsley. Mix well. Add salt and pepper. Chill before serving to allow the flavors to marry