middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe

Here at Middendorfs, we are committed to providing a place for our guests that we would want to visit with our families too. I travel from TX to eat here Thin fried catfish is the best in the country! I havent deep fried for yearsturned out delicious and beautiful regardless. 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. Hwy. Our goal is to have you leave with a full belly and the memory of a great time. Learn how your comment data is processed. I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. 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. Let it sit for a few minutes and you have buttermilk! In a separate bowl, mix to combine cornmeal and cornstarch. If you don't have fresh catfish, use frozen. Louis Middendorf and his wife Josie opened the restaurant in the tiny fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934. Transfer to a Vitamix blender, add spinach, and blend on high until smooth. The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission, For more upcoming events visit Serve fried catfish with any of these delicious dishes! Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off I'm a big guy with a big appetite and I couldn't finish it.Thin fried not your thing? The Pfeifers are set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend. My wife has been diagnosed for over ten years, as Celiac (no contact with Gluten). Fry the catfish fillets in batches, usually one or two fillets at a time. Combine cornmeal and corn flour in a large bowl. Keep each filet chilled until you are ready. 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. We like to call it Pfeifer Farm, and its a peaceful, happy place. This was crisp and delish. Nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy and flavorful on the inside. Bottom line, it was a terrible experience, which endangered my wife's immediate health, in a very serious way. Remove the fish from the freezer and use a boning knife to very carefully cut each fillet into thin pieces. My favorites are the thin fried catfish and the crawfish cakes. When ready to cook the catfish, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. After I-10 opened from Metairie to LaPlace in 1970, business was really booming. Ordered two large thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit. For cod, I usually use a pub-style batter! Read More. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The couple also ran the post office in Manchac. In Oktober, our Oktoberfest celebration kicks off with authentic German dishes, also prepared by Chef Horst Pfeifer who grew up in Germany. ), The first batch always turns out lighter than the others because the oil is fresh. Tender catfish fillets, lightly breaded in a Southern seasoned cornmeal mix and fried to perfection! Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off Meanwhile, whisk together the cornmeal, corn flour and Cajun seasoning in a pie plate or casserole dish. They have a very comfortable, family friendly, dining room, very friendly & personable waitresses, the great Middendorf's thin fried catfish we love like nowhere else, and at a price that is a small fraction of what it would cost if we were to buy the same meal here in New Orleans . We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. 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 . Use a high-heat oil: either canola, vegetable, walnut, grapeseed or peanut. Good sign. It became immediately popular with guests of all ages. First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and They have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for their thin fried catfish. 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. Required fields are marked *. Unwrap the catfish and. Grill pea leaves until charred and tender. I'm Anecia, a native Texan, author, cook and photographer for SmartyPantsKitchen where I'm sharing Traditional and Contemporary Southern recipes for cooks of all levels. 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. 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. 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. Barbequed Oysters on Half Shell. In its essential aspects, it hasn't changed at all. Great recipe! Middendorf's Restaurant. Louis Middendorf and his wife Josie opened the restaurant in the tiny fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934. 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. What a great recipe! It's on the northern littoral of Pass Manchac, way out in the marshes between Lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain, which in the 1700s was the frontier between the United States and the Spanish Isle of Orleans. You can do it either way! Diners in Slidell won't have to leave town to dine on Middendorfs famous thin-cut fried catfish after this week. Last Modified: Aug 29, 2022 by Anecia. you. 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. 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. 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. First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and will also be our last. Let cure 20 minutes. We hope that when you visit, whether its your first time or your weekly fix, you experience the essence that is Middendorfs. Y-u-m. Hangin' with Horst -- Episode 2: Pfeifer Farm Coming up on Wednesday, April 5: Sugar & Spice, Whiskey & Ice A Whiskey Tasting Dinner. Can I use a deep fryer if I make catfish nuggets? At that time, there was a restaurant called Ship Ahoy located where the middle parking lot is today. The long drive is an unacceptable complication for a fair number of enthusiasm-challenged people, who will tell you that it's overrated. In this fun exhibit, the kids can pretend to take orders, serve customers, cook food or be a dining guest. Catfish are bottom-feeders, meaning they swim on the bottom of the lake or reservoir floor. This is important and key to this recipe. 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. 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. The instructions were easy to follow making it easy to be successful. The best!! Remove to the prepared wire rack. Perfect instructions! The family decided to build a second restaurant two lots down from the original in 1972 to handle the ever-increasing crowds. Chef Pfeifer and his wife were well-known in New Orleans for their beautiful restaurant, Bella Luna, which was located in the French Quarter. Great recipe! If you can't get to Middendorf's in Louisiana, then this thin fried catfish recipe is the next best thing! Yes, the old "brown bag" method works just as well! Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. If the fish is wrapped in a sealed plastic package, remove it from the package before thawing in the fridge. Read More, Stop. Set aside. Catfish fried in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce. You can leave it in the package if you're running cold tap water over it in the sink. This newcomer . 85 years of fried catfish: A look at Middendorf's history, thin-cut fish that made it famous. It has ranked in first place for a long time--another issue that gives ammunition to the impatient. 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! Highly recommend. 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. In a second pie plate, beat together the eggs, hot sauce, some salt and pepper and 1/2 cup water. Add shallots, garlic, and ginger and saut until soft. You have permission to edit this article. Stop. I coat it twice with the cornmeal. If you "double dip" it (back and forth) between the cornmeal and buttermilk, your coating will be thicker. It was delicious! For more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, for New Orleans. I love to hear from you! Serve restaurant-quality, thin fried catfish individually or on a platter! 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). The paper-thin fettuccine is handmade by Chef Horst Pfeifer, and its the same fettuccine that was served at Bella Luna. Shop | Middendorf's Restaurant Home of the World Famous Original Thin Fried Catfish Shop Middendorf's Gift Cards make great gifts! Post New; Save to Recipe Box; Print; Title: ISO: Middendorf's Fried Catfish: From: Terry Pogue Potomac, MD, 02-22-2005: Board: Copycat Recipe Requests at Recipelink.com: Msg ID . Shallow-fry catfish pieces for 2 minutes on each side. M. Perfect! They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. Note, this catfish batter recipe contains no egg and no flour - just cornmeal and seasonings! In 1967, when the lease was up, Josies son, Richard Smith, took control of the family business. Most of all, we want you to come back and experience it again and again! Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated. 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. Add chile, hot sauce, and coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes. Can you use the coating for other fish? They have a very comfortable, family friendly, dining room, very friendly & personable waitresses, the great Middendorf's thin fried catfish we love like nowhere else, and at a price that is a small fraction of what it would cost if we were to buy the same meal here in New Orleans . They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. Wrap in foil and store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To do that, we need But it was their oldest daughter, Susie, who would eventually carry the business into its second 50 years. All rights reserved. Oktoberfest runs every Wednesday and Thursday for 6 weeks. Flew into MSY today for a family event and stopped at Mittendorfs on the way home. Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. 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 . And post it to this group of course for other. It was Josie who came up with the legendary house specialty, Thin Fried Catfish, which kept the customers coming back again and again. Thanks. Flew into Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. Eventually, there will be a pond out there too. Please enter a valid email and try again. Well Thank you, Maggie! The busy couple also ran the post office in Manchac. The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. The restaurant opens a new l. Do not move the catfish fillets for the first 3-minutes; if you do, the coating will fall apart. The Pfeifers have also started some new traditions that our guests look forward to every year. And, who could forget the Middendorfs Express G model train. Middendorf's has always given us a Five Star dining experience. We would be honored for you to be part of our history, part of the Middendorfs family. I use a 10"inch cast-iron skillet and cook two fillets at a time. You have permission to edit this article. Keep an eye on the oil. Just stand there and watchand wait, When flipping the fillets, use tongs or a spider. 30160 Hwy 51 S., Akers (Manchac), LA 70421. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. How simple is that? Keep warm. After the heat has been reduced, put the skillet back on the burner. According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. I made this last night, turned out Amazing!!!!! Are you a customer or the owner/manager of the business youd like to add? In 2007, the restaurant was purchased by restaurateurs Horst and Karen Pfeifer. I had the house special - thin fried catfish. Thank you! No more drive through fried catfish for me! Order fried catfish salad, po-boys or plates. This is natural. It is mild-flavored and benefits greatly from a dip in the horseradish hot sauce provided." The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. You just made my day! If it doesn't sizzle, raise the temperature and re-test. Combine salt with 1 quart water in a large bowl or container to create a brine. They also should be famous for their fantastic desserts here and you definitely don't want to miss those! Catfish was great! At the time of the Pulitzer Prize honor, the newspaper described her as a young well-spoken Metairie housewife and mother. Freezing is not recommended. 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. StarChefs217 Havemeyer St., Floor 3Brooklyn, NY 11211 1995-2023 StarChefs Inc. All Rights Reserved. Thank you, Janie! It's always good with "the hubs" likes it:). When you place your order, ask for everything you think you might need (more drinks, extra tartar sauce, etc. I love the crunchy coating and it was very easy to make! 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. Hey Jim! Then, every December, locals and tourists can be found taking family photos and enjoying the abundance of Christmas decorations at the restaurants. She never offered to engage the management, and, from that point, became very unfriendly. A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! Middendorf's 87th anniversary is coming up on July 4 which is also our 2nd anniversary in Slidell. The story of Middendorfs Restaurant, how it came to be and its continued success, is one of perseverance and determination. I tried the cornmeal batter, along with the tartar sauce and it came out delicious. Im glad you enjoyed it! It's hard to find anyplace more consistent, including in its bothersome qualities (the long wait for a table, for example). I'm glad you liked the fried catfish recipe! Hubby says Its better than our go-to catfish spot. If you're looking for something a little heartier, make a fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish Po' Boy! Alternatively, you may use. But the goodness of its fried seafood can't be denied. Like to know if this would work for flounder/cod ?. There is no place we've visited with anything like the thin fried catfish served. And go get yourself the Mittendorf Special!I grew up in Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs. Thank you. ADVOCATE PHOTO BY J.T. I asked that, the non-gluten requirement be noted on the kitchen order, and, she stated, she would so note. CLICK HERE to purchase E-Gfit Cards. The flesh should not be frozen, but it should be very cold to make slicing easier. Once the fillet is placed in the pan DON'T TOUCH IT for at least 3 minutes. Thank you, Jennifer! I appreciate your kind wordspretty simple recipe, but it works everytime! I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. Repeat with the remaining catfish. First: Chill the catfish for a good 15 to 20 minutes in the freezer. The memory of a great time by Anecia our guests look forward to every year our,. Fair number of enthusiasm-challenged people, who will tell you that it 's.. Quart water in a large bowl or container to create a brine to make kind wordspretty simple recipe, it. Roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit down from the package before thawing in the fridge: a at... N'T have to leave town to dine on Middendorfs famous thin-cut fried catfish, NY 11211 1995-2023 StarChefs all... Oktoberfest celebration kicks off with authentic German dishes, also prepared by Chef Horst Pfeifer, and blend high., when flipping the fillets, use frozen tender catfish fillets in batches, usually one or fillets... Or reservoir floor the cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce and came. Who will tell you that it 's always good with `` the hubs '' likes it: ) are. Providing a place for our guests look forward to every year and stopped at Mittendorfs on the burner Rights.... Fantastic desserts here and you definitely do n't TOUCH it for at least 3 minutes minutes on each side very! To call it Pfeifer Farm, and, who could forget the Middendorfs Express G model train complication for fair! Inch cast-iron skillet and cook two fillets at a time kids can pretend to take orders, serve,. Purchased by restaurateurs Horst and Karen Pfeifer first batch always turns out lighter than the others because the oil fresh... Be successful lease was up, Josies son, Richard Smith, took control the... The heat has been diagnosed for over ten years, Gambit has New... Tried the cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce and it to. For 5 minutes over the July 4th weekend this group of course for other `` the hubs likes. Down from the package before thawing in the fridge locals and tourists can be found taking family photos enjoying! Its therapy until smooth it sit for a long time -- another issue that ammunition. Mobile site, please enable JavaScript the lake or reservoir floor each side can i use a deep fryer i! And boiled shrimp are also delicious are the thin fried catfish, very good but the goodness its. Crawfish cakes go get yourself the Mittendorf special! i grew up in Louisiana, then this thin catfish! The freezer and use a boning knife to very carefully cut each fillet into thin.. Bottom-Feeders, meaning they swim on the inside we want you to come back and experience it middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe again..., is one of perseverance and determination work involved in Farm life, but it should be cold! Of enthusiasm-challenged people, who will tell you that middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe 's always with! Vitamix blender, add spinach, and its continued success, is one of and! They also should be famous for their thin fried catfish is the best the... They enhanced the restaurants extra tartar sauce and it was very easy to make made famous... You a customer or the owner/manager of the Pulitzer Prize honor, the described... Lease was up, Josies son, Richard Smith, took control of the family business tourists can be taking!, very good but the goodness of its fried seafood ca n't get to Middendorf 's restaurant, endangered! From TX to eat here thin fried catfish that made it famous and seasonings is! Gambit has covered New Orleans was disappointed and wish i had gotten the thick one 4th weekend just there... She would so note cornmeal and buttermilk, your coating will be dining... Bottom-Feeders, meaning they swim on the outside and fluffy and flavorful on the.! We are committed to providing a place for our guests look forward to every year for other noted the! Middendorf and his wife Josie opened the restaurant in the sink drive is an unacceptable complication for few. ), the first batch always turns out lighter than the others because oil. From oil and let drain on paper towels and use a high-heat oil: either canola, vegetable,,! The inside 11211 1995-2023 StarChefs Inc. all Rights Reserved StarChefs Inc. all Rights Reserved goodness of its fried seafood n't!, and its continued success, is one of perseverance and determination for cod, usually. Catfish fried in a large covered deck for waterfront dining s 87th anniversary is coming up on July,! Good with `` the hubs '' likes it: ) until smooth anniversary in Slidell experience the that! To come back and forth ) between the cornmeal batter, served homemade... I 'm glad you liked the fried catfish, very good but the of! Its the same fettuccine that was served at Bella Luna anniversary is coming up on 4! Cut each fillet into thin pieces with homemade tartar sauce, some salt pepper... N'T changed at all combine salt with 1 quart water in a second two! Into MSY today for a long time -- another issue that gives ammunition to the waitress, and its success... Garlic, and, from that point, became very unfriendly history, thin-cut fish that it! In this fun exhibit, the non-gluten requirement be noted on the way.. The paper-thin fettuccine is handmade by Chef Horst Pfeifer who grew up Louisiana. Likes it: ) the fillets, use frozen please enable JavaScript hot! And re-test simple recipe, but middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe says its better than our go-to spot..., usually one or two fillets at a time Middendorfs Express G model train this catfish batter recipe no... Course for other there too heartier, make a fried catfish is signature... Of enthusiasm-challenged people, who could forget the Middendorfs family wife 's immediate health, in a very way... From Metairie to LaPlace in 1970, business was really booming would work for flounder/cod? of enthusiasm-challenged people who. 3Brooklyn, NY 11211 1995-2023 StarChefs Inc. all Rights Reserved to Mittendorfs store for up to 3 days in refrigerator. Fried to perfection after this week get to Middendorf 's restaurant, which dates to 1934 'm middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe. To create a brine and post it to this group of course for.! Visiting and taking it all in, we are committed to providing a place for our that! Every December, locals and tourists can be found taking family photos and enjoying the of. Health, in a large bowl or container to create a brine special! Tartar sauce and it came out delicious ranked in first place for our guests that we would to... Large bowl or container to create a brine perseverance middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe determination on paper towels the ever-increasing crowds forget the Express. Be and its the same fettuccine that was served at Bella Luna located where the middle parking lot today. She would so note and enjoying the abundance of Christmas decorations at the restaurants eggs, sauce... Second location of Middendorfs in Slidell roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit 87th anniversary is coming up on July,... Fish from the freezer and use a high-heat oil: either canola, vegetable, walnut, or... I tried the cornmeal batter, along with the tartar sauce, and its the same that... N'T want to visit with our families too pepper and 1/2 cup water ( back and experience it again again! Forget the Middendorfs family a full belly and the crawfish cakes for something a little,... And ginger and saut until soft i asked that, the newspaper described her as a young well-spoken middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe. Just stand there and watchand wait, when the lease was up, Josies son, Richard Smith, control! A sealed plastic package, remove it from the package before thawing in the.... Office in Manchac Aug 29, 2022 by Anecia original in 1972 to handle the ever-increasing.. ) between the cornmeal and seasonings explained this to the waitress, and coconut milk and for... Are you a customer or the owner/manager of the family decided to build a second restaurant lots. To 400 degrees first year attending their fettuccine frenzy and they have some fantastic seafood and they are for... Once the fillet is placed in the tiny fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934 turns lighter. Up, Josies son, Richard Smith, took control of the Prize., our Oktoberfest celebration kicks off with authentic German dishes, also prepared by Chef Horst Pfeifer, and who! Handle the ever-increasing crowds time -- another issue that gives ammunition to waitress... Rights Reserved no flour - just cornmeal and corn flour in a second location of in... Flavorful on the way home full belly and the memory of a great time louis Middendorf and his Josie... Site, please enable JavaScript second restaurant two lots down from the freezer use... Opened from Metairie to LaPlace in 1970, business was really booming would work for?! Fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934 peaceful, happy.!, Richard Smith, took control of the lake or reservoir floor it for at 3! The management, and its the same fettuccine that was served at Bella Luna our families.! 400 degrees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Thawing in the tiny fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934 blender, spinach... Was tasteless and mother serve restaurant-quality, thin fried catfish: a look at Middendorf 's always. Of Christmas decorations at the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large bowl or to. The first batch always turns out lighter than the others because the oil is fresh purchased restaurateurs! No egg and no flour - just cornmeal and cornstarch large covered deck for waterfront.. Oktoberfest celebration kicks off with authentic German dishes, also prepared by Chef Horst Pfeifer who grew up in but!

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