SYLVIA'S FRIED CATFISH

2 lb catfish fillets (1/2-inch thick)
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 cups cracker meal or coarsely crushed unsalted crackers
1 cup vegetable oil

Trim fish of any skin or membrane.

Mix garlic powder, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over both sides of the fillets.

Dredge the fillets in the cracker meal, pressing gently so the meal sticks to both sides of the fillets. Shake off the excess and set the fillets aside.

Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat until a little cracker meal sprinkled in the oil gives off a lively sizzle.

Slip the fillets into the skillet and fry, turning once, until the fillets are cooked through and golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes.

Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

Notes: Firm, sweet, and juicy catfish fillets are becoming more and more popular with home cooks. Now that they are being farmed commercially they are even easier to find. At Sylvia's soul-food restaurant in New York City, catfish is seasoned and coated with cracker meal before being quickly fried.

Servings: 4
Source: Sylvia's Soul Food by Sylvia Woods with Christopher Styler