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Home » Recipes » Seafood

Beer Battered Catfish

Sep 4, 2022 · 22 Comments

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Collage with beer battered catfish on a plate with coleslaw on top, the same catfish on a plate from a different angle, and the words "beer battered catfish" in the center

This Beer Battered Catfish is perfectly tender on the inside and light and crispy on the outside. It's dipped in seasoned beer batter and deep-fried to golden perfection.

Two pieces of beer battered catfish on a plate with creamy coleslaw and a lemon wedge with fresh parsley and lemon wedges in the background around it.

Beer Battered Catfish

Of all the ways to cook catfish, this is probably my favorite. The golden, crispy, perfectly seasoned coating around warm, tender catfish just can't be beat.

In this recipe, catfish filets are dipped into seasoned beer batter and deep-fried until golden, leaving you with a crispy, savory coating surrounding perfectly tender catfish.

This recipe is great for freshly-caught catfish, if you're into fishing, and of course fresh or frozen catfish from the seafood counter at the grocery will also work if you'd rather leave the fishing to the fishermen.

What Does Beer Do for Fish Batter?

Beer-batter is arguably the best batter for frying (or at least my personal favorite). Beer adds several elements to the batter that make it outstanding.

  1. Carbonation - The carbonation in beer produces bubbles that escape while it cooks. This leads to a light and crispy finished product. This can also be replicated with other neutral flavored carbonated beverages, such as soda water.
  2. Ph - Beer is slightly more acidic than water which limits how much gluten can form in the batter. This ensures that the breading stays tender, and prevents it from getting too tough.
  3. Flavor - The beer will impart some extra flavor to the batter and the fish. Depending on the type of beer, the flavor may be stronger, lighter, or more or less hoppy.

What Kind of Beer Should I Use?

You can use any kind of beer you want! Here are some things to keep in mind, though.

All beer will add the agents necessary for that light, crispy texture you're looking for. However, some beers will add more color or flavor than others. A dark lager will add a deeper color and a richer flavor than a pale macro-beer, which will add great texture with very little color or flavor.

A pale macro-brew, such as Pabst or Coors is a great place to start if you're unsure about the flavor. Since catfish is a milder flavor, the mild beer will work great and is not too overpowering.

A black matte plate stacked with deep fried beer battered catfish topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley with a clean linen and bunch of fresh parsley behind and lemon wedges in front.

Can I Use Other Fish?

Yes, the batter will work for most fish including cod, walleye, perch, or grouper. Just be sure to watch the cook time as it may vary slightly based on the size and type of fish.

Catfish is considered a white, lean, and firm fish. Other fish with a similar profile to catfish are pollock, cod, grouper, haddock, or halibut.

What to Serve with Beer Battered Catfish

We like to serve classics like creamy coleslaw, fries, and homemade tartar sauce. You can also make these simple hush puppies in the air fryer.

Other serving ideas include:

  • Fried foods such as onion rings, fries, hush puppies, or corn fritters
  • Salads such as a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or potato salad
  • Something starchy like baked beans or baked potato
  • On a bun as a sandwich with tartar sauce
  • On flour or corn tortillas as a taco
  • Veggies like steamed broccoli or corn on the cob

More Seafood Recipes You'll Love

  • Fried Catfish Nuggets - a classic recipe for deep frying catfish nuggets with a crispy, savory coating.
  • Southern Pan Fried Catfish - catfish the southern way, pan-fried with a cornmeal coating.
  • Cajun Baked Catfish - a quick and simple baked catfish with cornmeal coating that's so good you won't even miss the frying oil
  • Parmesan Garlic Salmon - savory, tender, and flaky this salmon is loaded up with garlic, herbs, and parmesan and baked to perfection
  • Salmon Croquettes - a simple salmon recipe that's quick, cheap, and easy to make, not to mention delicious!

Beer Battered Catfish Video

Two pieces of beer battered catfish on a plate with creamy coleslaw and a lemon wedge with fresh parsley and lemon wedges in the background around it.

Beer Battered Catfish

This Beer Battered Catfish is perfectly tender on the inside and light and crispy on the outside. It's dipped in seasoned beer batter and deep-fried to golden perfection.
5 from 19 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Beer Battered Catfish
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 335kcal
Author: Michelle

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1½ pounds catfish or substitute fish
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ cup beer room-temperature
  • vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, mix together your flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and all your spices. Add your beer and egg, and mix well, until everything is incorporated. Refrigerate for at least 30 min to help everything set.
  • When ready to cook, pour vegetable oil in a fryer or deep skillet to a depth of at least 3 inches, and heat to 350°F.
  • Stir batter, and fold in catfish.
  • Lift fish strips with tongs, draining excess batter and making sure the whole fish is covered, and place in the oil, being careful not to over-crowd the fryer. (I only do a maximum of 2 at a time)
  • Fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Remove to paper towels to drain excess oil, and repeat with remaining fish.

Video

Notes

  • To check for whether oil is hot enough without using a thermometer, throw some flour into the hot oil. If it sizzles, it's ready.
  • To keep warm while you fry the rest of the fish, place on a baking sheet and keep in a low, warmed oven (150°-200°)
  • Storage: This catfish is best eaten right away. Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Heat leftovers in an air fryer or convection oven until heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1catfish filet | Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 971mg | Potassium: 867mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1710IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 3mg
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UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in August 2014. It was updated with new pictures, tips, and video and republished in August 2022.

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Dinner, Recipes, Seafood Fish Recipe, Seafood Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mrs. C says

    August 22, 2015 at 9:42 am

    This recipe looks easy and delicious.
    We do not use alcohol. Do you have an alternative to the beer?
    Mrs. C

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      August 22, 2015 at 9:59 am

      There are quite a few non-alcoholic beers you could use. Beck's is probably the most widely known. But usually when I sub alcohol out of recipes, I use chicken broth, so you could go that route too.

      Reply
    • Stan Smith says

      May 14, 2018 at 1:24 am

      You can substitute seltzer water or club soda for beer, I've also used diet sprite or 7up

      Reply
  2. Russell from Chasing Delicious says

    August 23, 2016 at 6:56 pm

    Loving the idea of changing it up with a beer batter. Yum!

    Reply
  3. Gina Abernathy says

    September 04, 2022 at 2:56 pm

    We have a catfish pond right out our back door. Great recipe and will make again.

    Reply
  4. Dana says

    September 04, 2022 at 4:42 pm

    I love this approach to catfish! I've only ever done beer-battered cod or haddock, so this was nice and different. Will definitely make it again!

    Reply
  5. Biana says

    September 04, 2022 at 5:40 pm

    Beer batter sounds like a great idea. This fish will be great, served with fries and a salad.

    Reply
  6. Nancy says

    September 04, 2022 at 6:19 pm

    I’ve never had catfish before but the beer batter was spot on!

    Reply
  7. Amy says

    September 04, 2022 at 7:35 pm

    This was hands-down the best fish ever! I can't wait to make it again!

    Reply
  8. Tara says

    September 05, 2022 at 12:48 pm

    oooh, this catfish has such a great, crispy texture! I love all the flavor packed into that batter. So easy too!

    Reply
  9. Susan says

    October 10, 2022 at 7:26 am

    Yes please! I'd eat anything fried in beer batter, and this looks amazing.

    Reply
  10. Tara says

    October 10, 2022 at 7:26 am

    Oh yum! You had me at golden, crispy, perfectly seasoned coating. This beer battered catfish looks absolutely fantastic.

    Reply
  11. Katherine says

    October 10, 2022 at 7:29 am

    This is such a great way to enjoy catfish!

    Reply
  12. Dana Sandonato says

    October 10, 2022 at 8:31 am

    Absolutely love the beer batter on this. It's like in a good pub, but better because it felt less greasy, having been able to pop it onto some paper towels after frying it to soak up excess grease. Seriously good!

    Reply
  13. Ryan says

    October 10, 2022 at 8:35 am

    If I could give this fish a 10 out of 10 I would. I had the best flavor and was so light and flaky.

    Reply
  14. Mandy Applegate says

    October 11, 2022 at 3:01 am

    I was really impressed with how easy it was to make and how delicious it turned out. The fish was nice and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The flavor was perfect. I will definitely be making this again!

    Reply
  15. Stephanie says

    October 11, 2022 at 4:35 am

    I love how crispy these are! I've made battered fish before but it didn't have the crisp. It never occurred to me that the secret is in the bubbles. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  16. Kim says

    October 11, 2022 at 4:36 am

    Oh how delicious! I also want to try those hush puppies. I used to love them at Long John Silvers, but those restaurants are hard to find near me now, so I'm eager to make my own!

    Reply
  17. Sharon says

    November 04, 2022 at 2:15 pm

    The beer batter in this fried fish recipe is the key to making sure it's super crispy but tender and flaky on the inside.

    Reply
  18. Emily Flint says

    November 04, 2022 at 2:19 pm

    CAtfish is one of my favorites and for some reason I don't make it enough. Now that I have this recipe I will be making it all the time!

    Reply
  19. Beth says

    November 04, 2022 at 2:59 pm

    This recipe is perfect for these busy fall days. Fast, flavorful and the whole family loves it!

    Reply
  20. Diana Reis says

    November 04, 2022 at 3:00 pm

    Perfectly crisp. We loved this dish so much, and catfish is a nice fish for frying.

    Reply

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Hello! I'm Michelle!
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