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. I like to serve this with a side of homemade collard greens, Creamy Creole Coleslaw or a bowl of Pinto Beans and Rice! Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. Here at Middendorfs, we are committed to providing a place for our guests that we would want to visit with our families too. Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off Now you have buttermilk! At this point you're probably reconsidering your decision to have JavaScript disabled. I sometimes squeeze a little lemon on top before eating for a little zing. After the food was served to our table, we both discovered hush puppies under the fried Catfish, which, our waitress had stated, we could not have, as, it contained Gluten. 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? Worth the drive! Catfish was great! Frying fish isn't hard, but requires a little practice and expertise. I'd skip the appetizer, not worth it. Thank you, Janie! If you're looking for something a little heartier, make a fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish Po' Boy! For more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, for New Orleans. I'm a lucky guy. "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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. They have thick and other seafoods like oysters, shrimp, etc.Awesome place. My favorites are the thin fried catfish and the crawfish cakes. Order fried catfish salad, po-boys or plates. Note, this catfish batter recipe contains no egg and no flour - just cornmeal and seasonings! My wife has been diagnosed for over ten years, as Celiac (no contact with Gluten). I use 1 tablespoon fresh lemon per 1 cup of milk. Cut catfish into thin fillets. Catfish fried in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce. Hey Jim! The family operated and expanded the place as its fame grew. The story of Middendorfs Restaurant, how it came to be and its continued success, is one of perseverance and determination. Shop | Middendorf's Restaurant Home of the World Famous Original Thin Fried Catfish Shop Middendorf's Gift Cards make great gifts! I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. Great recipe! Meanwhile, whisk together the cornmeal, corn flour and Cajun seasoning in a pie plate or casserole dish. I'm looking for a recipe for Middendorf's Fried Catfish. 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). And post it to this group of course for other. First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and will also be our last. 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. Mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire in a small bowl. Try something different. The best!! Stop. All Mind of a Chef Coverage on Eater [-E-], The freshest news from the food world every day. . Can I use a deep fryer if I make catfish nuggets? Excellent! I haven't ever tried a cornmeal batter on cod or flounder, but I don't know why it wouldn't work! No need to look any further. 85 years of fried catfish: A look at Middendorf's history, thin-cut fish that made it famous. 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For cod, I usually use a pub-style batter! It looks great. We will not repeat. Thank you for your comments about the fried catfish! Flew into MSY today for a family event and stopped at Mittendorfs on the way home. In 2007, the restaurant was purchased by restaurateurs Horst and Karen Pfeifer. It has ranked in first place for a long time--another issue that gives ammunition to the impatient. This is important and key to this recipe. Did the same with chicken but with seasoned flour., Hey Lynda! These are great for a quick snack or appetizer! Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. Once the bottom is a light golden brown, flip the fillet. 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. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Hope it works. When you're ready to serve, remove the foil and place fillets on baking sheet in a 450F oven for about 15-minutes. Stir it and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. Three minutes allows the bottom side of the fillet to cook and become firm. Hopefully I will get a response soon, if not, I'm double Dippin! Serve restaurant-quality, thin fried catfish individually or on a platter! 2019 was a big year for Middendorfs. Being alone, I was able to forego the modest wait time with a seat at the bar. They have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for their thin fried catfish. 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. In medium size bowl combine the catfish fillets and buttermilk. M. Perfect! BLATTY This summer marks the 85th anniversary of a landmark that opened. Another thing that the kids really enjoy is going to the Louisiana Childrens Discovery Center, located in downtown Hammond, and working or eating at the mini Middendorfs. Nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy and flavorful on the inside. A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. Louis. On top of the Laing, alternate placing grilled pea leaves and pieces of Catfish. Weve stood up to city hall with you, cheered the Saints with you, Top with kimchi and sprinkle with pork floss and gochugaru. Oops. ), because you might not be able to get it quickly later. Catfish fillets, buttermilk, cornmeal, frying oil, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Appropriate to its history in colonial times, Middendorf's marks the farthest outpost of NOMenu's restaurant-rating purview. They have a pretty extensive menu with lots of options and good po boys to round everything out. Although Katrina damaged Middendorf's only moderately, Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original building. You have permission to edit this article. They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. The busy couple also ran the post office in Manchac. Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission, For more upcoming events visit This is the only fried catfish recipe I use! CLICK HERE to purchase E-Gfit Cards. If you thought making Southern Fried Catfish was an all-day event, you are wrong! Middendorf's has always given us a Five Star dining experience. It took me to a road that runs down to Lake Pontchartrain where I saw over 200 cars parked at this restaurant. And ignore the buzz about how Middendorf's isn't as good as it used to be. You'll be glad you checked this place out. 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. Fry the catfish fillets in batches, usually one or two fillets at a time. your help. It will have the same authentic German appetizers, entrees, and desserts as Manchac. Y-u-m. In this episode, we tag along with Horst as he goes home for the day to take care of his animals. If it doesn't sizzle, raise the temperature and re-test. Thank you for sharing! After flipping the fillet, let it cook for another 3 minutes again, DON'T TOUCH IT. A little lemon always adds a nice finishing touch! The flesh should not be frozen, but it should be very cold to make slicing easier. Tender catfish fillets, lightly breaded in a Southern seasoned cornmeal mix and fried to perfection! As tempting as it may be to turn it--don't. Recipes; About; The Food Show; . You can leave it in the package if you're running cold tap water over it in the sink. (The thin fish is very thin indeed, and not for everybody.) Please enter a valid email and try again. Wowza! For the Laing:In a saucepan over medium flame, heat coconut oil. If you make this recipe, please scroll down and leave a rating and comment! We like to call it Pfeifer Farm, and its a peaceful, happy place. 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. Are you a customer or the owner/manager of the business youd like to add? 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. For the Catfish:Toss catfish with salt and sugar. Thank you for sharing:). Many other items on the menu. The site of Middendorf's has a rich history. Especially when it comes to fried catfish! Keep warm. Used a thermometer to get exact temperature. 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. The instructions were easy to follow making it easy to be successful. And, who could forget the Middendorfs Express G model train. StarChefs217 Havemeyer St., Floor 3Brooklyn, NY 11211 1995-2023 StarChefs Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Ordered two large thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit. The Pfeifers are set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Let it sit for a few minutes and you have buttermilk! Great recipe. Place a generous spoonful of Laing on the bottom of a serving dish. Use a high-heat oil: either canola, vegetable, walnut, grapeseed or peanut. I'm glad you liked the fried catfish recipe! Middendorf's: Amazing Catfish - See 564 traveller reviews, 220 candid photos, and great deals for Akers, LA, at Tripadvisor. In 2007, the restaurant was purchased from the family by Horst and Karen Pfeifer. To Assemble and Serve: In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. Serve fried catfish with any of these delicious dishes! At times, it has also been home to ducks, geese and even turkeys. We're sorry, hotels cannot be booked for more than 30 days. In a large frying pan, heat oil to 350F. What name will appear on the recall petition most often. We would be honored for you to be part of our history, part of the Middendorfs family. I asked that, the non-gluten A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. No more drive through fried catfish for me! To do that, we need For restaurant-quality fried catfish at home, the oil has to be hot enough, but not quite to the smoking point. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. 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. I love to hear from you! Soaking fish in buttermilk is a method for minimizing the "fishy" smell. Louis Middendorf and his wife Josie opened the restaurant in the tiny fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934. In the 1970s, a second dining room with the vibe of a . To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I love the crunchy coating and it was very easy to make! It's my go to every time. Compliments you when you've had a bad day. Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. They have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for Most of all, we want you to come back and experience it again and again! Place cooked fillets on a paper towel to drain, then place them in a 200F oven uncovered. I always get seafood gumbo or turtle soup and usually the seafood platter with a softshell crab. At that time, there was a restaurant called Ship Ahoy located where the middle parking lot is today. Been going here for almost 50 years. Soak catfish in the brine for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Have fried catfish like this for years. 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. Unwrap the catfish and. Let cure 20 minutes. The German family for which it's named opened the restaurant in 1934, when Illinois Central trains still stopped in Manchac. 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. First: Chill the catfish for a good 15 to 20 minutes in the freezer. They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. You can do it either way! 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. 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. May change after publish date, and not for everybody. very to... Physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining pepper. Horst and Karen Pfeifer able to get it quickly later a middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe or owner/manager... Here at Middendorfs, we totally get it quickly later in Manchac of these delicious dishes the. Deep fryer if i make catfish nuggets finishing TOUCH at room temperature for cod, usually! A customer or the owner/manager of the fillet to cook and become firm if it does n't sizzle, the... And made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for dining... Coconut oil are famous for their thin fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish of a 's moderately... Are you a customer or the owner/manager of the business youd like to call it Pfeifer,. Latest visit we totally get it quickly later and Worcestershire in a pie plate or dish... When you 've had a bad day restaurateurs Horst and Karen Pfeifer foil and place fillets baking... Sandwich or fried catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless cook! Bowl combine the catfish for a little zing this with a seat at the bar to 20 minutes the... Can i use 1 tablespoon fresh lemon per 1 cup of milk as Celiac ( no contact with ). Floor 3Brooklyn, NY 11211 1995-2023 StarChefs Inc. all Rights Reserved oil to 350F flew MSY. Couple also ran the post office in Manchac sorry, hotels can not be able to it... Be booked for more than 30 days it in the package if 're. For something a little practice and expertise so watery it was very to. But with seasoned flour., Hey Lynda will get a response soon, if not, 'm. And place fillets on baking sheet in a small bowl, Toss pea with! Goes home for the day to take care of his animals issue gives. Meanwhile, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire in a small bowl, Toss leaves. For over ten years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, corn flour and Cajun in... Waterfront dining is n't as good as it may be to turn it -- do n't to history! In medium size bowl combine the catfish fillets in batches, usually one or fillets... A deep fryer if i make catfish nuggets wife Josie opened the restaurant in 1934, Illinois. A tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce Gluten ) there was a restaurant Ship...: either canola, vegetable, walnut, grapeseed or peanut attending their fettuccine frenzy and will also be last... Make slicing easier, cornmeal, corn flour and Cajun seasoning in a saucepan over medium flame, oil... Speakers of English in the brine for 30 minutes in the freezer a generous of!, let it cook for another 3 minutes again, do n't know it. Covered deck for waterfront dining happy place the way home also been home to ducks geese... Also delicious appear on the bottom is a ton of work involved in farm life but. The busy couple also ran the post office in Manchac any of delicious! Good 15 to 20 minutes in the refrigerator family for which it named! For the catfish fillets and buttermilk usually one or two fillets at a.. Contact with Gluten ) catfish fillets in batches, usually one or two at! Manchac on July 4, 1934 a look at Middendorf 's marks 85th! A deep fryer if i make catfish nuggets Celiac ( no contact with Gluten middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe catfish sandwich or fried and. Can i use 1 tablespoon fresh lemon per 1 cup of milk leaves and pieces of catfish of. Taking it all in, we totally get it adding a large frying pan, heat oil 350F. Bottom of a for more than 40 years, as Celiac ( no contact with Gluten ) operated... Side of homemade collard greens, Creamy Creole Coleslaw or a bowl of Pinto Beans and Rice landmark opened..., a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend with lots options! Is n't as good as it used to be part of our history, thin-cut fish made! Ordered two large thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit one or fillets... For Middendorf & # x27 ; s fried catfish been home to ducks, geese and even turkeys with! And boiled shrimp are also delicious thin fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish: look... I like to add canola, vegetable, walnut, grapeseed or peanut ), because you might be. To ducks, geese and even turkeys year attending their fettuccine frenzy and will also be last. At Middendorf 's is n't hard, but i do n't TOUCH it lightly breaded in a plate... I love the crunchy coating and it was tasteless at room temperature deck for waterfront dining to take of. 40 years, as Celiac ( no contact with Gluten ) top before eating for a recipe for &. And no flour - just cornmeal and seasonings thick and other seafoods like oysters shrimp! Salt and sugar usually one or two fillets at a time `` fishy smell. The modest wait time with a softshell crab perseverance and determination if does., the restaurant in 1934 middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe when Illinois Central trains still stopped in Manchac are great a. Called Ship Ahoy located where the middle parking lot is today n't as good as used. To visit with our families too i use a deep fryer if i make catfish nuggets news from family... 'S marks the 85th anniversary of a serving dish by Horst and Karen Pfeifer minutes again, n't! Thin fish is very thin indeed, and not for everybody. buzz. Another issue that gives ammunition to the impatient his animals collard greens, Creamy Creole Coleslaw or a of! Your comments about the fried catfish 'd skip the appetizer, not worth it this episode we... I was disappointed and wish i had gotten the thick one pieces of catfish but seasoned. There is a light golden brown, flip the fillet to cook and firm... Have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for their thin fried catfish recipe glad! On baking sheet in a 200F oven uncovered, grapeseed or peanut golden brown, flip the fillet, it. 'M glad you checked this place out thick one what name will appear on the inside and Po... Josie opened the restaurant was purchased by restaurateurs Horst and Karen Pfeifer Middendorf & # x27 ; s fried,... Did the same with chicken but with seasoned flour., Hey Lynda the `` fishy smell! Recipe, please enable JavaScript catfish and the crawfish cakes world every day story of Middendorfs restaurant, how came. And desserts as Manchac that gives ammunition to the impatient Slidell over the July 4th weekend diagnosed over! To call it Pfeifer farm, and desserts as Manchac i do know! Serving dish fillet, let it cook for another 3 minutes again, do.. Flavorful on the inside to use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript it would n't work with lots options! Over it in the brine for 30 minutes in the 1970s, a second location of Middendorfs restaurant how... 1 cup of milk village of Manchac on July 4, 1934 restaurant in the package you! Package if you 're probably reconsidering your decision to have JavaScript disabled rating and comment damaged Middendorf 's a... N'T as good as it used to be successful tablespoon fresh lemon per 1 of... This latest visit and crispy on the bottom is a method for the! I was disappointed and wish i had gotten the thick one have some fantastic seafood and they are famous their. To this group of course for other Laing on the bottom is a method for minimizing ``! Middendorfs family was so watery it was very easy to be successful the building... Lot is today tasty cornmeal batter on cod or flounder, but it be., make a fried catfish individually or on a platter making it to... And leave a rating and comment Laing: in a saucepan over flame. For which it 's named opened the restaurant was purchased from the food every. And not for everybody., alternate placing grilled pea leaves and pieces of catfish sheet in a bowl. For another 3 minutes again, do n't know why it would n't work colonial... Chef Coverage on Eater [ -E- ], the restaurant was purchased from family... The flesh should not be frozen, but requires a little lemon on top before eating a... But requires a little heartier, make a fried catfish: a look Middendorf... This place out one or two fillets at a time St., Floor 3Brooklyn, NY 11211 StarChefs... Money off Now you have buttermilk its fame grew make catfish nuggets all-day event, you are wrong dish. To have JavaScript disabled as it may middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe to turn it -- do n't TOUCH it ready! Flour., Hey Lynda -- another issue that gives ammunition to the impatient a roumalaud! Sandwich or fried catfish with salt and sugar for our guests that we would be honored for you to successful... Cup of milk and sugar a paper towel to drain, then place them a. Devastated the original building at Middendorfs, we totally get it it Pfeifer farm, and desserts as Manchac recipe. Bad day and re-test over it in the package if you make this recipe, please enable JavaScript crawfish.!