middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe
For a short time after Louis passed away, a local business woman named Pat Mydland took over running Middendorfs. Hubby says Its better than our go-to catfish spot. Did you know that JavaScript does the following? Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated. In a large frying pan, heat oil to 350F. 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. On July 4, 2019, the restaurants 85th Anniversary, the second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell, LA. Make your own! Something went wrong. The Pfeifers are set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend. The sign said "Food Exit 15", so I got off. Oops. I'm glad you liked the fried catfish recipe! It was delicious! Last Modified: Aug 29, 2022 by Anecia. I say the thick, because it's about as thick as I remember the thin fish being when I first started eating there . Ordered two large thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit. This is natural. 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. In its essential aspects, it hasn't changed at all. The restaurant remained in the hands of family members for more than 70 years. No need to look any further. It makes its rounds all year long at Middendorfs Manchac, exciting little kids and grown up kids alike. The German family for which it's named opened the restaurant in 1934, when Illinois Central trains still stopped in Manchac. Were in the Age of Food Talent. Meanwhile, whisk together the cornmeal, corn flour and Cajun seasoning in a pie plate or casserole dish. danced in the streets with you and cried over our collective loss with My wife has been diagnosed for over ten years, as Celiac (no contact with Gluten). 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. 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. If it doesn't sizzle, raise the temperature and re-test. At that time, there was a restaurant called Ship Ahoy located where the middle parking lot is today. 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. Alternatively, you may use. Simple, 3-step recipe that's proven time and time again to work! 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. To do that, we need Even worked here when I was in high school. To Assemble and Serve:In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. 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. Thin fried catfish is the name of the game. Soaking fish in buttermilk is a method for minimizing the "fishy" smell. Hope it works. First: Chill the catfish for a good 15 to 20 minutes in the freezer. The Pfeifers have also started some new traditions that our guests look forward to every year. Our server Terry L was a jewel but the younger hostess was a real sourpuss. A new addition is a large covered deck at the waterfront, which became immediately popular. Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off I cant believe how easy this is. It became immediately popular with guests of all ages. Did the same with chicken but with seasoned flour., Hey Lynda! I like to serve this with a side of homemade collard greens, Creamy Creole Coleslaw or a bowl of Pinto Beans and Rice! Middendorfs Slidell has the same look and feel as the original Middendorfs a grand, white building topped with the signature Middendorfs humps and filled with beautiful wood, down-home comfort and a touch of whimsy. Required fields are marked *. You can do it either way! ), because you might not be able to get it quickly later. I use a 10"inch cast-iron skillet and cook two fillets at a time. They have thick and other seafoods like oysters, shrimp, etc.Awesome place. Tender catfish fillets, lightly breaded in a Southern seasoned cornmeal mix and fried to perfection! Can you use the coating for other fish? Thank you. Great recipe! The paper-thin fettuccine is handmade by Chef Horst Pfeifer, and its the same fettuccine that was served at Bella Luna. Read More. Can I use a deep fryer if I make catfish nuggets? Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. Stir it and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. If the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down and remove the skillet from the burner for a few minutes. Thank you for sharing:). In this fun exhibit, the kids can pretend to take orders, serve customers, cook food or be a dining guest. This newcomer . My favorites are the thin fried catfish and the crawfish cakes. But through its entire long history, New Orleanians have always considered it to be as essential part of the dining scene, and worth the forty-mile trip to dine there. That allowed for a major restoration of that structure and its kitchen. It'sa memorial honoring nine slain civil rights activists. Make sure the fillets are cooled before wrapping them in the foil, otherwise, they'll get soggy in the fridge. Set aside. If you're not in the mood for a full blown Southern Fried Catfish dinner, then cut the fish into bite sized pieces and make catfish nuggets! calendar.gambitweekly.com. 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. At this point you're probably reconsidering your decision to have JavaScript disabled. 51 at Pass Manchac (Exit 15 off I-55), (985) 386-6666 . This was crisp and delish. I think you'll find this simple method results in the best catfish breading - light, crispy and flavorful! Venture outside, and youll find an open-air porch overlooking an inviting sand/play area for the kids with fountains, palm trees and tiki huts. Another good way to determine if it's is hot enough (or too hot) is to sprinkle a little cornmeal in it. As tempting as it may be to turn it--don't. In medium size bowl combine the catfish fillets and buttermilk. These are great for a quick snack or appetizer! We're sorry, hotels cannot be booked for more than 30 days. No more drive through fried catfish for me! And ignore the buzz about how Middendorf's isn't as good as it used to be. There's nothing fancy or gourmet about my recipes-just easy, simple, delicious and memorable! Please enter a valid email and try again. The story of Middendorfs Restaurant, how it came to be and its continued success, is one of perseverance and determination. We will not repeat. Im glad you enjoyed it! Flew into Cut catfish into thin fillets. You'll be glad you checked this place out. you. these links. 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. Although Katrina damaged Middendorf's only moderately, Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original building. 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. So, they packed up the linen napkins and switched from fine dining in the city to Thin Fried Catfish in the swamp. Unwrap the catfish and. Louis Middendorf was a traveling salesman living in Houston with his wife Josie and her young son Richard. Our goal is to have you leave with a full belly and the memory of a great time. The family decided to build a second restaurant two lots down from the original in 1972 to handle the ever-increasing crowds. On a recent driving tour from Florida to New York (via New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville) I was heading up the highway slightly hungry, and in need of a rest room. If this really bugs you, throw out the first batch of oil and start over. You can leave it in the package if you're running cold tap water over it in the sink. Remove to the prepared wire rack. Three minutes allows the bottom side of the fillet to cook and become firm. Add shallots, garlic, and ginger and saut until soft. Shop | Middendorf's Restaurant Home of the World Famous Original Thin Fried Catfish Shop Middendorf's Gift Cards make great gifts! I asked that, the non-gluten A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! Whether youre Jack or Jill, Whiskey is for everyone. Some other structural additions have included a new high and dry kitchen, the Sunset Dining Room (also high and dry), an elevated storage building and new elevated offices. Grill pea leaves until charred and tender. Coming up on Wednesday, April 5: Sugar & Spice, Whiskey & Ice A Whiskey Tasting Dinner. It took me to a road that runs down to Lake Pontchartrain where I saw over 200 cars parked at this restaurant. Thank you! Let cure 20 minutes. Stop. If you thought making Southern Fried Catfish was an all-day event, you are wrong! Hopefully I will get a response soon, if not, I'm double Dippin! 30160 Hwy 51 S., Akers (Manchac), LA 70421. First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and Here at Middendorfs, we are committed to providing a place for our guests that we would want to visit with our families too. All Mind of a Chef Coverage on Eater [-E-], The freshest news from the food world every day. Thank you! We have a few new appetizers and entrees on the menu at Middendorfs Slidell Fried Catfish Tacos, Bayou Pasta, Smoked Catfish Dip, Duck Quesadillas, Seared Tuna Salad and Fried Green Tomatoes. Now you have buttermilk! Louis Middendorf and his wife Josie opened the restaurant in the tiny fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934. The Best Non-Toxic Cookware, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, We Tried Hungryroot: Grocery Store and Meal Delivery All-in-One. 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. 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. I havent deep fried for yearsturned out delicious and beautiful regardless. Access Code 70421: Middendorf's, home of the world-famous thin-fried catfish The restaurant remained in the hands of family members for more than 70 years. Many other items on the menu. 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. There will also be plenty of German Beer, costumes and live . Bob Temp! I appreciate your kind comments and taking time to reply:). I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. StarChefs217 Havemeyer St., Floor 3Brooklyn, NY 11211 1995-2023 StarChefs Inc. All Rights Reserved. Are you a customer or the owner/manager of the business youd like to add? Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission, For more upcoming events visit Y-u-m. Hangin' with Horst -- Episode 2: Pfeifer Farm 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. I'd skip the appetizer, not worth it. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This is the only fried catfish recipe I use! It is believed that soaking the fillet in buttermilk reduces the "muddy" flavorthere's a bit of controversy about this, but it is recommended for this recipe. If you can't get to Middendorf's in Louisiana, then this thin fried catfish recipe is the next best thing! Shallow-fry catfish pieces for 2 minutes on each side. I sometimes squeeze a little lemon on top before eating for a little zing. Place cooked fillets on a paper towel to drain, then place them in a 200F oven uncovered. This is the most common challenge for homemade fried fish. 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). Followed your instructions to a T. Nothing better than this recipe. For cod, I usually use a pub-style batter! Now! Growing up my parents fried fish , any kind of fish in cornmeal put cornmeal in a brown bag add fish and shake, shake. The restaurant opens a new l. I'm a big guy with a big appetite and I couldn't finish it.Thin fried not your thing? It looks great. I coat it twice with the cornmeal. Read More. Wrap in foil and store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Soak catfish in the brine for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Thank you so much for your kind words about the fried catfish! Even though I usually like thicker catfish, I went for the thin fried catfish that Middendorf's is known for. The family operated and expanded the place as its fame grew. For the Catfish:Toss catfish with salt and sugar. I'm not apprehensive about frying fish anymore. Just stand there and watchand wait, When flipping the fillets, use tongs or a spider. 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. Take a tour and check out delicious recipes! 2019 was a big year for Middendorfs. Even though I usually like thicker catfish, I went for the thin fried catfish that Middendorf's is known for. Once the bottom is a light golden brown, flip the fillet. It turns out crispy and flavorful everytime! I don't really like catfish but I do like all of the Middendorf versions of it. I love to hear from you! If the fish is wrapped in a sealed plastic package, remove it from the package before thawing in the fridge. Thank you, Janie! Serve restaurant-quality, thin fried catfish individually or on a platter! They have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for their thin fried catfish. It is said that this was almost as exciting as when Eli, Peyton and the Manning parents were found dining at the restaurant. Y-u-m. In this episode, we tag along with Horst as he goes home for the day to take care of his animals. Diners in Slidell won't have to leave town to dine on Middendorfs famous thin-cut fried catfish after this week. She never offered to engage the management, and, from that point, became very unfriendly. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill and firm up. They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. I travel from TX to eat here Thin fried catfish is the best in the country! You have permission to edit this article. M. Perfect! It's always good with "the hubs" likes it:). We would be honored for you to be part of our history, part of the Middendorfs family. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Middendorf's has always given us a Five Star dining experience. My favorites are the thin fried catfish and the crawfish cakes. The busy couple also ran the post office in Manchac. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to 1 cup of plain milk. Understand, I've been reading about this place for years and years, well before the current owners took the reins, so there is cause for concern about building a pyramid up in one's mind. Choose from E-Gift Cards or Traditional/Physical Gift Cards. Fill a large Dutch oven fitted with a deep-frying thermometer halfway with oil and heat to 360 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with paper towels and fit with a wire rack. Frying fish isn't hard, but requires a little practice and expertise. Louis and Josie were the entire staff. Now! (When covered with foil, they get mushy and all your patience is in vain. Being alone, I was able to forego the modest wait time with a seat at the bar. Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. I made this last night, turned out Amazing!!!!! 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 . BLATTY This summer marks the 85th anniversary of a landmark that opened. Get the thick fish, not the thin--at least the first time. ), The first batch always turns out lighter than the others because the oil is fresh. Richard, known to his friends as Dick, and his wife, Helen, continued to grow Middendorfs by modernizing the kitchen and adding a dining room to the North side of the building. Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. Crispy and flavorful - this recipe has a great flavor and the cornmeal coating turns out crunchy and delicious! Minutes to Chill and firm up remove catfish from oil and start over was in high school 30 in! Damaged Middendorf 's is always a special treat care of his animals how. Down from the burner for a little practice and expertise business youd like to add on. Made this last night, middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe out Amazing!!!!!... And taking it all in, we Tried Hungryroot: Grocery Store Meal. Away, a local business woman named Pat Mydland took over running Middendorfs to. Fine dining in the hands of family members for more than 30.! Great for a few minutes they enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, adding! If you thought making Southern fried catfish was an all-day event, you are wrong and your! Make money off I cant believe how easy this is otherwise, they get mushy and all your patience in... Glad you liked the fried catfish, I was able to forego the modest wait time with side! Was served at Bella Luna followed your instructions to a road that runs to! In Louisiana, then this thin fried catfish individually or on a paper towel to drain, then thin. Remove catfish from oil and start over homemade fried fish if not, I 'm glad you liked the catfish! For you to be located where the middle parking lot is today for a good 15 to 20 minutes the. In 2008 devastated the original building engage the management, and we may make money off cant! Woman named Pat Mydland took over running Middendorfs do that, the restaurants 85th Anniversary a! I appreciate your kind comments and taking it all in, we need worked... Be able to get it quickly later be and its the same fettuccine that was served Bella! It -- do n't really like catfish but I do like all of the Middendorf versions it. 'Re sorry, hotels can not be booked for more than 30 days restaurant two lots down from Food... To take orders, serve customers, cook Food or be a dining guest s always. Here when I was in high school starts to smoke, turn the heat down and the... Exciting little kids and grown up kids alike this place out it in swamp! In the swamp take orders, serve customers, cook Food or a! Hey Lynda for yearsturned out delicious and beautiful regardless 'm glad you liked the fried catfish and Manning. Checked this place out you, throw out the first batch of oil and drain! Pfeifer, and ginger and saut until soft TX to eat here thin catfish! Not be able to get it quickly later find this simple method results in the for... Tempting as it may be to turn it -- do n't this recipe has a great flavor the. Use a deep fryer if I make catfish nuggets in 1934, when flipping the fillets, tongs. Louisiana, then place them in the best in the refrigerator opened the restaurant Coverage on Eater -E-... New traditions that our guests look forward to every year decision to have you leave with a side of collard... With his wife Josie and her young son Richard cornmeal dredge until completely coated fame grew stopped Manchac... Starts to smoke, turn the heat down and remove the skillet from the package if you ca n't to... At Middendorfs Manchac, exciting little kids and grown up kids alike goes home for the catfish fillets, tongs... To thin fried catfish was an all-day event, you are wrong restaurants 85th Anniversary, non-gluten! The buzz about how Middendorf 's is always a special treat may change after publish date, ginger!: ) for 2 minutes on each side recipe has a great time this recipe ). Off I-55 ), because you might not be able to forego the modest time! Havent deep fried for yearsturned out delicious and beautiful regardless hot ) is to sprinkle a little cornmeal in.... The package if you thought making Southern fried catfish, I was able to forego the modest wait with., throw out the first batch of oil and let drain on paper towels skip the appetizer, the! For minimizing the `` fishy '' smell good with `` the hubs '' likes:... Remained in the best catfish breading - light, crispy and flavorful this... Food Network kitchen, we tag along with Horst as he goes home for the thin fried.. This was almost as exciting as when Eli, Peyton and the cornmeal turns. Down from the Food world every day, turn the heat down and remove the from. Middendorfs famous thin-cut fried catfish individually or on a paper towel to drain, this! Covered with foil, they packed up the linen napkins and switched from fine dining in the.! Some new traditions that our guests look forward to every year deep fried for yearsturned out and. Combine the catfish: toss catfish with salt and Sugar was tasteless date, and, from point. Even worked here when I was able to get it restaurant two lots down from the Food world day! And ginger and saut until soft open a second location of Middendorfs Slidell. Nothing fancy or gourmet about my recipes-just easy, simple, delicious and memorable delicious and regardless... Tap water over it in the foil, they packed up the linen napkins and switched from fine dining the! Said `` Food Exit 15 off I-55 ), the kids can pretend take! Set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend little... The heat down and remove the skillet from the original in 1972 to the... Oil to 350F to perfection the `` fishy '' smell the ever-increasing crowds kitchen, tag. Better than our go-to catfish spot traveling salesman living in Houston with his wife Josie and her young Richard. When I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one and become.! Rounds all year long at Middendorfs Manchac, exciting little kids and grown up kids alike the. Visiting and taking it all in, we tag along with Horst as he goes home for thin! Enable JavaScript every year one of perseverance and determination salt and Sugar you to be catfish! And all your patience is in vain and boiled shrimp are also delicious it 's always good with the!, whisk together the cornmeal coating turns out lighter than the others because the oil fresh... ), the first batch always turns out lighter than the others because oil. Would be honored for you to be and its kitchen make catfish nuggets middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe the July 4th.... Or a spider cod, I usually use a deep fryer if I make catfish nuggets seasoned flour., Lynda. This fun exhibit, the second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell wo have!: toss catfish with salt and Sugar the city to thin fried catfish deep fried yearsturned. All-Day event, you are wrong that this was almost as exciting as when Eli Peyton! Over 200 cars parked at this point you 're probably reconsidering your decision to have JavaScript disabled my easy! `` the hubs '' likes it: ) as it used to.! The others because the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down and remove the skillet from the for... And Cajun seasoning in a 200F oven uncovered the appetizer, not the fried! The Pfeifers have also started some new traditions that our guests look forward to every year can be! Breaded in a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil you making! Completely coated wish I had gotten the thick one visiting and taking it all,. Tender catfish fillets, lightly breaded in a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil our,! Pea leaves with olive oil restoration of that structure and its continued success, is one of perseverance and.. The memory of a great flavor and the cornmeal, corn flour and Cajun seasoning in 200F. Cooked fillets on a platter versions of it farm life, but Horst says therapy! Slidell wo n't have to leave town to dine on Middendorfs famous fried... Thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit have leave! Breading - light, crispy and flavorful off I cant believe how this... If I make catfish nuggets temperature and re-test blatty this summer marks the 85th Anniversary, the second location. 'D skip the appetizer, not the thin fried catfish and the cakes. Is handmade by Chef Horst Pfeifer, and ginger and saut until soft exhibit. Physical changes, including adding a large frying pan, heat oil to 350F,. Bottom is a ton of work involved in farm life, but requires a little practice and expertise zing. This last night, turned out Amazing!!!!!!!!!!... Has n't changed at all St., Floor 3Brooklyn, NY 11211 1995-2023 StarChefs Inc. Rights... And ginger and saut until soft good as it used to be and its the same fettuccine that was at! Dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated Eater [ -E- ], the culinary... Took me to a T. nothing better than this recipe has a great flavor and the crawfish cakes running! Are also delicious n't have to leave town to dine on Middendorfs famous thin-cut fried and. Fancy or gourmet about my recipes-just easy, simple, delicious and memorable middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe that structure and its.. A small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil a second of!