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    Home » Recipes » Seasonings

    Fish Fry Seasoning

    Modified: Aug 28, 2025 · Published: Nov 3, 2023 by Krysten Wilkes & Marrekus Wilkes · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Fish Fry Seasoning is a mix of yellow cornmeal, Old Bay, lemon pepper, salt, pepper, and garlic. It's our go-to for catfish, crappie, bream, whiting, and whatever we've got on our hook. Ready to level up your next fish fry?

    plate of southern fried catfish

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    In our household, frying up some fish on the weekends is practically a tradition, like ordering pizza on a Friday night. And when it comes to my go-to fish, it's got to be catfish. Marrekus also loves whiting. It's a meal that brings smiles all around the table, even from the picky eaters (and trust me, we've got a few of those in the family).

    A fish fry is definitely a Southern thing that's deeply ingrained in our roots. Learning how to fry fish is almost like a rite of passage in the Black community, and it's something we love sharing with friends and family when they come over.

    Now, you might think that frying fish is no big deal, but what sets ours apart is the incredible fish fry seasoning.

    We're based in Maryland, so Old Bay is our secret weapon. But if you're a traditionalist, you can always switch it up with some seasoned salt. Just make sure to omit the salt. You could also add some granulated onion or cayenne pepper.

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups yellow cornmeal
    • 4 teaspoons Old Bay
    • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
    fish fry seasoning ingredients. cornmeal, lemon pepper, old bay, black pepper, kosher salt, and granulated garlic

    How to Make Fish Fry Seasoning

    Just toss everything into a large bowl, and give it a good stir until it's all mixed together. Pop it into an airtight container, and you're set for up to six months at room temp. Easy, right?!

    pouring spices in a bowl of corn meal
    stirring fish fry seasoning
    stirring fish fry seasoning

    Why yellow cornmeal?

    Yellow cornmeal is a staple ingredient in Southern cuisine and is basically synonymous with classic Southern-style fried fish. When fried, it gives off a beautiful golden-brown crust that is perfectly crispy and crunchy.

    How much fish fry seasoning should I use?

    The ratio of seasoning to fish is about 1 ½ cups of Fish Fry Seasoning per 1 ½ to 2 pounds of fish.

    What types of fish is this seasoning best suited for?

    This fish fry seasoning is best for catfish, whiting, crappie, bream, or bigmouth buffalo.

    Can I use this seasoning for other foods, like chicken or vegetables?

    We do not recommend using fish fry for other foods. When making fried chicken or fried pork chops, a mixture of all-purpose flour and different spices and herbs are use instead.

    fish fry seasoning in a bowl with a whisk

    Have you tried our delicious Fish Fry Seasoning? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you're snapping pics or shooting videos of your culinary masterpiece, be sure to tag us at @cookswithsoul on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok! We can't wait to see and share your incredible creations with our community.

    📖 Recipe

    southern fried catfish

    Fish Fry Seasoning

    Krysten Wilkes & Marrekus Wilkes
    This Fish Fry Seasoning is a mix of yellow cornmeal, Old Bay, lemon pepper, salt, pepper, and garlic. It’s our go-to for catfish, crappie, bream, whiting, and whatever we’ve got on our hook.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Seasonings
    Cuisine Soul Food, Southern
    Servings 4 cups
    Calories 470 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups yellow cornmeal
    • 4 teaspoons Old Bay
    • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic

    Instructions
     

    • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
    • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 470kcalCarbohydrates: 90gProtein: 12gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 587mgPotassium: 427mgFiber: 12gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 61IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Seasonings

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    Comments

      5 from 1 vote

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    1. Jazz says

      September 18, 2024 at 6:25 pm

      5 stars
      I used this seasoning on catfish over the weekend and it was a hit. So I'll be using your recipe again--thank you!

      Reply

    Welcome!

    Hi! We’re Krysten and Marrekus Wilkes, a husband and wife duo sharing our favorite comfort food recipes.

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