middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe
Now! Flew into In 2016, they completed Operation: High & Dry by raising the original side of the building. Oops. The Pfeifers are set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend. Im glad you enjoyed it! Once the bottom is a light golden brown, flip the fillet. The service staff is always been stressed, and while they deliver everything on time, they don't visit the table as much as you might expect. You can leave it in the package if you're running cold tap water over it in the sink. If you make this recipe, please scroll down and leave a rating and comment! I love to hear from you! Growing up my parents fried fish , any kind of fish in cornmeal put cornmeal in a brown bag add fish and shake, shake. Then work on your appetite with images of the great raw and broiled oysters, the stuffed crabs, and the soft-shell crabs in their season (warm months). Cut catfish into thin fillets. Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated. I love the crunchy coating and it was very easy to make! Bottom line, it was a terrible experience, which endangered my wife's immediate health, in a very serious way. Yummy coleslaw and the gumbo is the best i've ever had!!! Please go to the settings menu on your phone related to your web browser, and re-enable JavaScript. This newcomer . Louis Middendorf and his wife Josie opened the restaurant in the tiny fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934. Wrap in foil and store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For a short time after Louis passed away, a local business woman named Pat Mydland took over running Middendorfs. No more drive through fried catfish for me! ADVOCATE PHOTO BY J.T. For more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, for New Orleans. Cant beat tried and true recipe like this one. Place a generous spoonful of Laing on the bottom of a serving dish. And go get yourself the Mittendorf Special!I grew up in Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs. Excellent! Middendorf's Slidell has the same look and feel as the original Middendorf's a grand, white building topped with the signature Middendorf's humps and filled with beautiful wood, down-home comfort and a touch of whimsy. Did the same with chicken but with seasoned flour., Hey Lynda! Been going here for almost 50 years. With the help of a $500.00 loan co-signed by a former Mayor of New Orleans, T. Semmes Walmsley, Louis and Josie opened their cafe in the summer of 1934. Just get a hoagie bun, add a little Louisiana remoulade sauce or tartar sauce, some lettuce and a fried catfish fillet! If the darker color bother you, start over with new oil for each batch. It is mild-flavored and benefits greatly from a dip in the horseradish hot sauce provided." calendar.gambitweekly.com. Weve stood up to city hall with you, cheered the Saints with you, Required fields are marked *. Keep warm. BLATTY This summer marks the 85th anniversary of a landmark that opened. Louis. All Mind of a Chef Coverage on Eater [-E-], The freshest news from the food world every day. This summer marks the 85th anniversary of a landmark that opened on Lake Maurepas at Pass Manchac: Middendorfs, the restaurant best known as the home of thin-cut fried catfish. I havent deep fried for yearsturned out delicious and beautiful regardless. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Thank you, Jennifer! Get the thick fish, not the thin--at least the first time. I'm looking for a recipe for Middendorf's Fried Catfish. Our goal is to have you leave with a full belly and the memory of a great time. The long drive is an unacceptable complication for a fair number of enthusiasm-challenged people, who will tell you that it's overrated. I say the thick, because it's about as thick as I remember the thin fish being when I first started eating there . According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. The restaurant opens a new l. It was delicious! Middendorf's secret is out as owner Horst Pfeifer tells how their thin fried catfish is made NOLA.com 94.7K subscribers Subscribe 83 Share 16K views 7 years ago Horst Pfeifer, owner of. They have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for If it doesn't sizzle, raise the temperature and re-test. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The family operated and expanded the place as its fame grew. Yes, the old "brown bag" method works just as well! First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off Fried catfish cut as thin as a dime, a view of the water that ends with the sky and a regular crowd coming from the North Shore and the South Shore to meet in the middle these are hallmarks of . Make your own! Blake Pontchartrain: The story of the civil rights activists memorialized at Claiborne and Jackson avenues, Blakeview: Happy 90th birthday to Shirley Ann Grau, New Orleans novelist and Pulitzer winner, Get catfished in Slidell: Middendorf's opens a Slidell restaurant July 4. And go get yourself the Mittendorf Special!I grew up in Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs. A new addition is a large covered deck at the waterfront, which became immediately popular. Of course, there is a ton of work involved in farm life, but Horst says its therapy. And after visiting and taking it all in, we totally get it. Highly recommended! Middendorf's has also become famous for their six weeks of Oktoberfest celebrations that offer authentic German food every Wednesday and Thursday during October and November. If the fish is wrapped in a sealed plastic package, remove it from the package before thawing in the fridge. This was crisp and delish. Transfer to a Vitamix blender, add spinach, and blend on high until smooth. The area has a small pond and lots of room for our feathered friends to run. Especially when it comes to fried catfish! Laing:1 tablespoon coconut oil1 shallot, sliced3 garlic cloves, slicedOne 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced1 red Thai chile1 tablespoon fermented Fresno hot sauce (or any hot sauce)1 can coconut milk1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed, Catfish:1 pound Maryland blue catfish, cut into -inch strips1 tablespoon salt1 tablespoon sugar cup cornmeal2 tablespoons cornstarchCanola oil for frying, To Assemble and Serve:1 cup pea leaves1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil1 tablespoon kimchi, chopped2 tablespoons pork floss1 teaspoon gochugaru. It's always good with "the hubs" likes it:). Louis Middendorf and his wife Josie opened the restaurant in the tiny fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934. This summer marks the 85th anniversary of a landmark that opened on Lake Maurepas at Pass Manchac: Middendorfs, the restaurant best known as the home of thin-cut fried catfish. Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. When ready to cook the catfish, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Keep an eye on the oil. Repeat with the remaining catfish. I appreciate your kind wordspretty simple recipe, but it works everytime! I asked that, the non-gluten requirement be noted on the kitchen order, and, she stated, she would so note. Very very delicious!!! Use a high-heat oil: either canola, vegetable, walnut, grapeseed or peanut. Thank you, Janie! Fry, turning as needed, until crisp and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Southern Fried Catfish is easy to make and this restaurant-quality recipe won't disappoint! What you're doing. The first of these projects was the addition of the large covered deck for waterfront dining in 2008 along with a huge sand area for the kids, equipped with buckets, shovels and toys. Compliments you when you've had a bad day. They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. It's my go to every time. Add chile, hot sauce, and coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes. Oktoberfest runs every Wednesday and Thursday for 6 weeks. In a second pie plate, beat together the eggs, hot sauce, some salt and pepper and 1/2 cup water. For restaurant-quality fried catfish at home, the oil has to be hot enough, but not quite to the smoking point. Well Thank you, Maggie! I asked that, the non-gluten A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! Hope it works. Chefs are spotlighting their culinary heritage on tasting menus, at buzzy pop-ups, and at new restaurants across the country, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Watch Sean Brock and John Currence Cook Thin-Fried Catfish on Mind of aChef, KFC is bringing back its breadless fried chicken sandwich, and its 2010 all over again, Reba McEntire is the latest country superstar getting into the hospitality game, and her Atoka, Oklahoma restaurant feels welcoming indeed, Sean Brock Cooks Shaved Catfish - Mind of a Chef, The Next Era of American Fine Dining Is Here, Care of West Africa, Party Down Returns Sharper, Bleaker, and Funnier Than Before. And, who could forget the Middendorfs Express G model train. Now! They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. Thank you! Top with kimchi and sprinkle with pork floss and gochugaru. Good sign. You can do it either way! Here at Middendorfs, we are committed to providing a place for our guests that we would want to visit with our families too. Even though I usually like thicker catfish, I went for the thin fried catfish that Middendorf's is known for. Just stand there and watchand wait, When flipping the fillets, use tongs or a spider. Whetstones New Agency Wants to Represent It. Keep each filet chilled until you are ready. Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. Compliments to the chef!!! Ordered two large thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit. Thank you! It definitely has a great atmosphere and is in a unique location. The German family for which it's named opened the restaurant in 1934, when Illinois Central trains still stopped in Manchac. Thank you so much for your kind words about the fried catfish! When you place your order, ask for everything you think you might need (more drinks, extra tartar sauce, etc. Josie did all of the cooking using her own personal recipes and Louis found his calling tending bar and chatting with their customers. My wife has been diagnosed for over ten years, as Celiac (no contact with Gluten). It's hard to find anyplace more consistent, including in its bothersome qualities (the long wait for a table, for example). If it sizzles, it's hot enough. Great recipe! Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off Your second batch of fillets will be darker than the first; that's because they're being cooked in oil that's already been used. The Best Non-Toxic Cookware, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, We Tried Hungryroot: Grocery Store and Meal Delivery All-in-One. Something went wrong. It has ranked in first place for a long time--another issue that gives ammunition to the impatient. Why do I need to soak the catfish in buttermilk? The Pfeifers are set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend. Like to know if this would work for flounder/cod ?. To Assemble and Serve:In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. Hubby says Its better than our go-to catfish spot. Stop. 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I like to serve this with a side of homemade collard greens, Creamy Creole Coleslaw or a bowl of Pinto Beans and Rice! In its essential aspects, it hasn't changed at all. Serve fried catfish with any of these delicious dishes! Unwrap the catfish and. They have thick and other seafoods like oysters, shrimp, etc.Awesome place. We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. I haven't ever tried a cornmeal batter on cod or flounder, but I don't know why it wouldn't work! CLICK HERE to purchase E-Gfit Cards. Great recipe. Great recipe! Barbequed Oysters on Half Shell. Say the word "catfish," and most avid New Orleans eaters (as well as those between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and as far away as Jackson, Mississippi) think of this funny German name. In the process of making this right now, you said to coat twice and I'm Confused, do I dip the fish back into the buttermilk after I coat it with the cornmeal the first time? Simple, 3-step recipe that's proven time and time again to work! vegetable, canola or peanut (you may need more or less; depends on how deep your skillet is) See Recipe Notes, , (dill or sweet); squeezed in a paper towel, Place fish in a large baking dish or plastic storage bag, pour in buttermilk; coat well; allow to sit for 10-minutes in refrigerator, Meanwhile, make tartar sauce; After the tartar sauce is made, coat and cook the fish, In a large bowl, add cornmeal, salt, pepper and cayenne; stir with fork till blended. Ignore such reports and, on the way out, have the essential debate as to which is the best way to eat Middendorf's famous fried catfish: thin-cut, thick-cut (that gets my vote) or whole fish. Can you use the coating for other fish? Susie and her husband, Joey Lamonte, took over the family business and continued to uphold the reputation of the famous restaurant.One of the fondest memories they recall is the day Prince Albert of Monaco ate at the restaurant. In a large frying pan, heat oil to 350F. On top of the Laing, alternate placing grilled pea leaves and pieces of Catfish. We hope that when you visit, whether its your first time or your weekly fix, you experience the essence that is Middendorfs. On Thursday, July 1, 2021 from 11am until 6pm, Middendorf's, in Manchac and Slidell, is hosting a blood drive that offers free thin fried catfish and an awesome t-shirt for all donors. After I-10 opened from Metairie to LaPlace in 1970, business was really booming. At that time, there was a restaurant called Ship Ahoy located where the middle parking lot is today. According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. In a separate bowl, mix to combine cornmeal and cornstarch. There's no need to go out to dinner when you can make restaurant-quality fried catfish at home! Thank you for sharing! Mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire in a small bowl. Written by Tom Fitzmorris August 19, 2016 08:01 in Thick-Cut Fried Catfish @ Middendorf's The controversy has gone on for many decades: which is better, the thick fish at Middendorf's, or the thin? Can I use a deep fryer if I make catfish nuggets? 2023 Warner Bros. Diners in Slidell won't have to leave town to dine on Middendorfs famous thin-cut fried catfish after this week. I've stopped off here for years on trips back and forth to and from New Orleans. 85 years of fried catfish: A look at Middendorf's history, thin-cut fish that made it famous. Catfish are bottom-feeders, meaning they swim on the bottom of the lake or reservoir floor. On Thursday, July 1, 2021 from 11am until 6pm, Middendorf's, in Manchac and Slidell, is hosting a blood drive that offers free thin fried catfish and an awesome t-shirt for all donors. Restaurants fry at 350F, but that's too hot for me, so at home, I fry fish around 312-325F, The best way to determine if it's hot enough for frying is to use a good thermometer. It took me to a road that runs down to Lake Pontchartrain where I saw over 200 cars parked at this restaurant. For the Catfish:Toss catfish with salt and sugar. The third generation sold Middendorf's to Chef Horst Pfeifer and his wife Karen, who owned the superb Bella Luna in the French Market until Katrina. First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and will also be our last. You'll be glad you checked this place out. Quick - each fillet only takes about 5-minutes to fry Restaurant quality fried catfish fillets that actually have flavor It is said that this was almost as exciting as when Eli, Peyton and the Manning parents were found dining at the restaurant. An entirely neww building continued on this theme, with a fake oak tree and a bar made from cypress trees that had been at the lake's bottom since before the Civil War. Recipes; About; The Food Show; . Perfect instructions! Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to 1 cup of plain milk. I travel from TX to eat here Thin fried catfish is the best in the country! Here are tips to help your catfish turn out superb! Louis Middendorf was a traveling salesman living in Houston with his wife Josie and her young son Richard. In the 1970s, a second dining room with the vibe of a . In Oktober, our Oktoberfest celebration kicks off with authentic German dishes, also prepared by Chef Horst Pfeifer who grew up in Germany. And ignore the buzz about how Middendorf's isn't as good as it used to be. In this clip, Currence and Brock fry up some thin-fried catfish the signature dish at legendary New Orleans spot Middendorf's Seafood Restaurant where catfish are sliced. And post it to this group of course for other. I think I've liked pretty much everything I've ever had here and they also have a broiled seafood plate if you want to avoid the fried stuff. Worth the drive! So, they packed up the linen napkins and switched from fine dining in the city to Thin Fried Catfish in the swamp. Choose from E-Gift Cards or Traditional/Physical Gift Cards. There was a problem saving your notification. Shop | Middendorf's Restaurant Home of the World Famous Original Thin Fried Catfish Shop Middendorf's Gift Cards make great gifts! At times, it has also been home to ducks, geese and even turkeys. Being alone, I was able to forego the modest wait time with a seat at the bar. Both types can be used at Middendorf's Manchac and Middendorf's Slidell. Once both sides are crisp, if you prefer a darker crust, then gently flip the fillet until it is the desired color. Using a cast-iron, or heavy bottom skillet, pour oil into skillet and heat to medium; While oil is heating, take a fillet directly from the buttermilk and place it in the cornmeal; pat the cornmeal on the fillet; coat it all over, twice; repeat with remaining fillets, Check your skillet; the oil needs to be around 312 - 350F; you can sprinkle a few pieces of cornmeal in the oil to see if it sizzles; if it does sizzle, the oil is ready, Cooking in batches of two fillets, place them in the hot oil; DO NOT MOVE THE FILLETS until they've cooked for 2 - 3 minutes on one side, After 2 -3 minutes, use tongs and flip the fish over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, Use a thermometer to measure internal temperature; it should be 145F, Remove fillets from oil and place on a paper towel, Repeat until all fillets are cooked and drained, Plate fillets and serve with lemon and tartar sauce, In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; refrigerate until ready to serve, Use a heavy-duty skillet (cast-iron) or Dutch oven, The amount of oil depends upon the size of your skillet; you want about 2" inches of oil. I appreciate your kind comments and taking time to reply:). M. Perfect! A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! Although they have not strayed from the recipes and specialities that made Middendorfs famous, this energetic husband-wife team are always looking for fun and exciting things to add to the Middendorfs experience. Frying fish isn't hard, but requires a little practice and expertise. Three minutes allows the bottom side of the fillet to cook and become firm. Louis and Josie were the entire staff. Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. After flipping the fillet, let it cook for another 3 minutes again, DON'T TOUCH IT. We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. Followed your instructions to a T. Nothing better than this recipe. You have permission to edit this article. I'm a lucky guy. Wowza! Middendorf's: Thin-Fried Catfish is One of Many Delicious Options - See 564 traveler reviews, 220 candid photos, and great deals for Akers, LA, at Tripadvisor. Your email address will not be published. To Assemble and Serve: In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. These are great for a quick snack or appetizer! First: Chill the catfish for a good 15 to 20 minutes in the freezer. Thank you. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. these links. Have fried catfish like this for years. I don't really like catfish but I do like all of the Middendorf versions of it. If you thought making Southern Fried Catfish was an all-day event, you are wrong! Your email address will not be published. It became immediately popular with guests of all ages. I think you'll find this simple method results in the best catfish breading - light, crispy and flavorful! If the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down and remove the skillet from the burner for a few minutes. This summer marks the 85th anniversary of a landmark that opened on Lake Maurepas at Pass Manchac: Middendorf's, the restaurant best known as the home of thin-cut fried catfish. Shallow-fry catfish pieces for 2 minutes on each side. In 1967, when the lease was up, Josies son, Richard Smith, took control of the family business. I coat it twice with the cornmeal. Thank you for the fish recipe. I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. Crispy and flavorful - this recipe has a great flavor and the cornmeal coating turns out crunchy and delicious! Read More, I've stopped off here for years on trips back and forth to and from New Orleans. If using frozen catfish, thaw fish first by rinsing in cold water in a colander or allowing to thaw in the refrigerator, Use a thermometer; internal temperature should be 145F. The site of Middendorf's has a rich history. It turns out crispy and flavorful everytime! (When covered with foil, they get mushy and all your patience is in vain. Don't expect a healthy meal here. What a great recipe! After more than 40 years of working in the restaurant, with no family to hand the restaurant down to, Susie decided to sell the family business. Then work on your appetite with images of the great raw and broiled oysters, the stuffed crabs, and the soft-shell crabs in their season (warm months . Middendorf's Restaurant. Appropriate to its history in colonial times, Middendorf's marks the farthest outpost of NOMenu's restaurant-rating purview. Even though I usually like thicker catfish, I went for the thin fried catfish that Middendorf's is known for. Y-u-m. Hangin' with Horst -- Episode 2: Pfeifer Farm Coleslaw always goes well, as does Smothered Okra and Tomatoes, Maple Baked Beans, Pinto Beans and Rice and a heapin' bowl of Southern collard greens! All rights reserved. Are you a customer or the owner/manager of the business youd like to add? Thank you very much! (You should be able to get 4 to 5 pieces from each fillet.). your help. We're sorry, hotels cannot be booked for more than 30 days. In batches, dredge the fish through the egg mixture and then through the cornmeal mixture, then add to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Let it sit for a few minutes and you have buttermilk! Bode's Catfish Corner. Bring some vegetable oil to 350 degrees F in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven. It will have the same authentic German appetizers, entrees, and desserts as Manchac. Wrap the cooked and cooled catfish fillets in foil and refrigerate. That allowed for a major restoration of that structure and its kitchen. What you're doing. As tempting as it may be to turn it--don't. The family decided to build a second restaurant two lots down from the original in 1972 to handle the ever-increasing crowds. Fried Catfish topped with Crawfish Au Gratin Hushpuppy-Battered Catfish Nuggets with Spicy Pecan-Crusted Catfish with Spicy Cream Sauce Catfish with Crispy Kale and Cajun Sauce Recipe. Cooked catfish like this my whole life. Soaking fish in buttermilk is a method for minimizing the "fishy" smell. If you don't have fresh catfish, use frozen. Thank you! Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Chef Pfeifer and his wife were well-known in New Orleans for their beautiful restaurant, Bella Luna, which was located in the French Quarter. A little lemon always adds a nice finishing touch!
