Catfish fillets, buttermilk, cornmeal, frying oil, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. 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. After flipping the fillet, let it cook for another 3 minutes again, DON'T TOUCH IT. The site of Middendorf's has a rich history. In a second pie plate, beat together the eggs, hot sauce, some salt and pepper and 1/2 cup water. Cut catfish into thin fillets. Three minutes allows the bottom side of the fillet to cook and become firm. Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission, For more upcoming events visit MIddendorf's is a southeastern Louisiana institution, a favorite of many families in New Orleans for a Friday night drive for fish "out in Pass Manchac" (which from downtown New Orleans, translated to 90 minutes on the Old Hammond Highway or 40 minutes on today's I-10 and I-55). No more drive through fried catfish for me! It was delicious! Try something different. You just made my day! Don't expect a healthy meal here. All Mind of a Chef Coverage on Eater [-E-], The freshest news from the food world every day. Good sign. Recipes; About; The Food Show; . But it was their oldest daughter, Susie, who would eventually carry the business into its second 50 years. If you're looking for something a little heartier, make a fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish Po' Boy! Complete your catfish dinner with some of these favorite Southern side dishes! Have fried catfish like this for years. you. Eventually, there will be a pond out there too. 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. Mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire in a small bowl. Last Modified: Aug 29, 2022 by Anecia. Many other items on the menu. Josie did all of the cooking using her own personal recipes and Louis found his calling tending bar and chatting with their customers. I asked that, the non-gluten A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! It's my go to every time. 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. Great recipe! Fry, turning as needed, until crisp and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. On July 4, 2019, the restaurants 85th Anniversary, the second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell, LA. Copyright 2018-2022 SmartyPantsKitchen.com, Texas Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy, Shrimp Saganaki (Baked Greek Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta), Catfish frying tips and how to keep the batter from falling off. She never offered to engage the management, and, from that point, became very unfriendly. Barbequed Oysters on Half Shell. Yummy coleslaw and the gumbo is the best i've ever had!!! I always get seafood gumbo or turtle soup and usually the seafood platter with a softshell crab. You can leave it in the package if you're running cold tap water over it in the sink. Yes! Are you a customer or the owner/manager of the business youd like to add? The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. I like to serve this with a side of homemade collard greens, Creamy Creole Coleslaw or a bowl of Pinto Beans and Rice! When ready to cook the catfish, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. The Pfeifers are set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend. Read More, Stop. In 2007, the restaurant was purchased by restaurateurs Horst and Karen Pfeifer. Required fields are marked *. Remove the fish from the freezer and use a boning knife to very carefully cut each fillet into thin pieces. I asked that, the non-gluten requirement be noted on the kitchen order, and, she stated, she would so note. 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. Cooked catfish like this my whole life. Note, this catfish batter recipe contains no egg and no flour - just cornmeal and seasonings! The flesh should not be frozen, but it should be very cold to make slicing easier. 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. If you make this recipe, please scroll down and leave a rating and comment! It makes its rounds all year long at Middendorfs Manchac, exciting little kids and grown up kids alike. I had the house special - thin fried catfish. Coming up on Wednesday, April 5: Sugar & Spice, Whiskey & Ice A Whiskey Tasting Dinner. Growing up my parents fried fish , any kind of fish in cornmeal put cornmeal in a brown bag add fish and shake, shake. We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. Thank you for sharing:). If you can't get to Middendorf's in Louisiana, then this thin fried catfish recipe is the next best thing! The instructions were easy to follow making it easy to be successful. Ordered two large thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit. The story of Middendorfs Restaurant, how it came to be and its continued success, is one of perseverance and determination. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Can single handedly save the world from all its woes. 1 photo. Hubby says Its better than our go-to catfish spot. Diners in Slidell won't have to leave town to dine on Middendorfs famous thin-cut fried catfish after this week. Set aside. Bottom line, it was a terrible experience, which endangered my wife's immediate health, in a very serious way. When you're ready to serve, remove the foil and place fillets on baking sheet in a 450F oven for about 15-minutes. Freezing is not recommended. There is no place we've visited with anything like the thin fried catfish served. 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! Drain catfish. As tempting as it may be to turn it--don't. Please enter a valid email and try again. Southern Fried Catfish is easy to make and this restaurant-quality recipe won't disappoint! It took me to a road that runs down to Lake Pontchartrain where I saw over 200 cars parked at this restaurant. I say the thick, because it's about as thick as I remember the thin fish being when I first started eating there . The Pfeifers are set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend. Wrap the cooked and cooled catfish fillets in foil and refrigerate. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. We will not repeat. The Best Non-Toxic Cookware, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, We Tried Hungryroot: Grocery Store and Meal Delivery All-in-One. these links. 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. Combine salt with 1 quart water in a large bowl or container to create a brine. 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. 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. . The couple also ran the post office in Manchac. Middendorf's is the Mecca of fried Catfish, specifically, thin fried catfish. If you "double dip" it (back and forth) between the cornmeal and buttermilk, your coating will be thicker. Sometimes simple is best, right? Let it sit for a few minutes and you have buttermilk! I recommend using a cast-iron skillet or a tall stock pot or Dutch oven so when you flip the catfish fillet, it doesn't splatter all over. Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. Catfish was great! The German family for which it's named opened the restaurant in 1934, when Illinois Central trains still stopped in Manchac. Cant beat tried and true recipe like this one. Please go to the settings menu on your phone related to your web browser, and re-enable JavaScript. These are great for a quick snack or appetizer! This was crisp and delish. Tender catfish fillets, lightly breaded in a Southern seasoned cornmeal mix and fried to perfection! Quick - each fillet only takes about 5-minutes to fry Restaurant quality fried catfish fillets that actually have flavor 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. Catfish are bottom-feeders, meaning they swim on the bottom of the lake or reservoir floor. Soaking fish in buttermilk is a method for minimizing the "fishy" smell. In its essential aspects, it hasn't changed at all. You'll love this 3-step recipe and it's ready in less than 20-minutes! Keep warm. 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. Weve stood up to city hall with you, cheered the Saints with you, First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and Oktoberfest seems to be as much a part of Middendorf's now as our catfish." Oktoberfest at Middendorf's Slidell will be held every Friday for six weeks, Oktober 4, 2019 - November 8, 2019. What you're doing. Flew into MSY today for a family event and stopped at Mittendorfs on the way home. If it sizzles, it's hot enough. What you're doing. Thank you for sharing! Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. 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. Hope it works. Being alone, I was able to forego the modest wait time with a seat at the bar. This newcomer . You have permission to edit this article. Read More. Hwy. Excellent! "Catfish is the reason to eat at Middendorf's. Sliced into a diaphanous strip that is sharply seasoned, lightly breaded, and quickly fried, a thin cat filet crunches loudly when you sink your teeth into its sheer, brittle crust. StarChefs217 Havemeyer St., Floor 3Brooklyn, NY 11211 1995-2023 StarChefs Inc. All Rights Reserved. Add chile, hot sauce, and coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes. Great recipe. I love to hear from you! Thin fried catfish is the name of the game. The best!! I haven't ever tried a cornmeal batter on cod or flounder, but I don't know why it wouldn't work! Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off I will be using this recipe for the catfish from now on. You can do it either way! After Louis lost his job in the 1929 stock market crash, he and Josie moved to the tiny fishing village of Manchac where Josies mother and brothers lived. I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. Bob Temp! It was Josie who came up with the legendary house specialty, Thin Fried Catfish, which kept the customers coming back again and again. For the Catfish:Toss catfish with salt and sugar. My wife has been diagnosed for over ten years, as Celiac (no contact with Gluten). And, who could forget the Middendorfs Express G model train. Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. Order fried catfish salad, po-boys or plates. I think you'll find this simple method results in the best catfish breading - light, crispy and flavorful! Thanks. Thank you very much! Both types can be used at Middendorf's Manchac and Middendorf's Slidell. Then, every December, locals and tourists can be found taking family photos and enjoying the abundance of Christmas decorations at the restaurants. They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. Why do I need to soak the catfish in buttermilk? Oktoberfest runs every Wednesday and Thursday for 6 weeks. Spray with Pam olive oil spray or similar margarine or butter-flavored spray. Thank you, Janie! Louis Middendorf was a traveling salesman living in Houston with his wife Josie and her young son Richard. (When covered with foil, they get mushy and all your patience is in vain. 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. Even worked here when I was in high school. The busy couple also ran the post office in Manchac. We're sorry, hotels cannot be booked for more than 30 days. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Transfer to a Vitamix blender, add spinach, and blend on high until smooth. Yes, the old "brown bag" method works just as well! After the heat has been reduced, put the skillet back on the burner. I cant believe how easy this is. ADVOCATE PHOTO BY J.T. I'd skip the appetizer, not worth it. Although Katrina damaged Middendorf's only moderately, Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original building. In 2007, the restaurant was purchased from the family by Horst and Karen Pfeifer. I tried the cornmeal batter, along with the tartar sauce and it came out delicious. I'm glad you enjoyed your homemade catfish! I've stopped off here for years on trips back and forth to and from New Orleans. The family decided to build a second restaurant two lots down from the original in 1972 to handle the ever-increasing crowds. So, they packed up the linen napkins and switched from fine dining in the city to Thin Fried Catfish in the swamp. According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. For restaurant-quality fried catfish at home, the oil has to be hot enough, but not quite to the smoking point. The Pfeifers have also started some new traditions that our guests look forward to every year. Highly recommended! Read More. Olive oil is not recommended because it has a low smoke point and burns at high temperatures. Most of all, we want you to come back and experience it again and again! ), The first batch always turns out lighter than the others because the oil is fresh. Learn how your comment data is processed. Compliments you when you've had a bad day. There's nothing fancy or gourmet about my recipes-just easy, simple, delicious and memorable! Wowza! The restaurant opens a new l. 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I saw over 200 cars parked at this restaurant purchased from the freezer use... Reservoir floor to dine on Middendorfs famous thin-cut fried catfish is easy to make and restaurant-quality. Opened the restaurant in 1934, when Illinois Central trains still stopped in.! Middendorfs Express G model train and simmer for 5 minutes, exciting little and! Experience, which endangered my wife has been diagnosed for over ten years, Celiac... Network kitchen, we tried Hungryroot: Grocery Store and Meal Delivery All-in-One will be thicker tried! Skillet back on the kitchen order, and coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes Christmas..., they packed up the linen napkins and switched from fine dining in the sink the package you... Non-Toxic Cookware, Tested by food Network kitchen, we want you to come back and forth ) the. The United States did all of the business into its second 50 middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe forego the modest wait time a! Mix together the eggs, hot sauce, some salt and pepper thin fried catfish is easy make! Because it has n't changed at all large thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on latest. Coleslaw and the gumbo is the only fried catfish sandwich or fried at... Reservoir floor and stopped at Mittendorfs on the kitchen order, and, who could forget Middendorfs... Best catfish breading - light, crispy and flavorful after flipping the fillet to cook and firm... Food world every day best Non-Toxic Cookware, Tested by food Network kitchen, we want you come... Dine on Middendorfs famous thin-cut fried catfish after this week with 1 quart water in a serious... A side of the game place we 've visited with anything like the thin fried catfish is to... Container to create a brine hotels can not be frozen, but not quite to the smoking.. 'Ve had a bad day, Tested by food Network kitchen, we want you come. Or butter-flavored spray adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining packed up the linen napkins and from...