There's no need to go out to dinner when you can make restaurant-quality fried catfish at home! Thaw catfish either by rinsing in a colander or strainer under cold water, or in the refrigerator. According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. When you place your order, ask for everything you think you might need (more drinks, extra tartar sauce, etc. The family decided to build a second restaurant two lots down from the original in 1972 to handle the ever-increasing crowds. And go get yourself the Mittendorf Special!I grew up in Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs. [caption id="attachment_25423" align="alignnone" width="400"] Thin-cut catfish.[/caption]. 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. I say the thick, because it's about as thick as I remember the thin fish being when I first started eating there . To do that, we need 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. She never offered to engage the management, and, from that point, became very unfriendly. Whetstones New Agency Wants to Represent It. It is said that this was almost as exciting as when Eli, Peyton and the Manning parents were found dining at the restaurant. Bob Temp! In September, its Fettuccine Frenzy every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I use 1 tablespoon fresh lemon per 1 cup of milk. Although Katrina damaged Middendorf's only moderately, Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original building. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Stir it and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. Required fields are marked *. I had the house special - thin fried catfish. You'll be glad you checked this place out. My wife has been diagnosed for over ten years, as Celiac (no contact with Gluten). 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 explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. Especially when it comes to fried catfish! Soaking fish in buttermilk is a method for minimizing the "fishy" smell. 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. 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. 85 years of fried catfish: A look at Middendorf's history, thin-cut fish that made it famous. Please enter a valid email and try again. Highly recommend. danced in the streets with you and cried over our collective loss with Complete your catfish dinner with some of these favorite Southern side dishes! Written by Tom Fitzmorris August 19, 2016 08:01 in Thick-Cut Fried Catfish @ Middendorf's The controversy has gone on for many decades: which is better, the thick fish at Middendorf's, or the thin? Catfish fried in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce. 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 . Thin fried catfish is the name of the game. Serve restaurant-quality, thin fried catfish individually or on a platter! Olive oil is not recommended because it has a low smoke point and burns at high temperatures. After Gustav, the main building was dramatically remodeled to make it look even older and more remote than it already was, with cypress floors and walls, creating a look that fits the restaurant and its history perfectly. It looks great. Combine cornmeal and corn flour in a large bowl. Whether you like thin sliced or thick fried catfish, this is the place to stop on I-55 to get it. There's nothing fancy or gourmet about my recipes-just easy, simple, delicious and memorable! It became immediately popular with guests of all ages. 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. On top of the Laing, alternate placing grilled pea leaves and pieces of Catfish. It definitely has a great atmosphere and is in a unique location. Three minutes allows the bottom side of the fillet to cook and become firm. Have fried catfish like this for years. ADVOCATE PHOTO BY J.T. 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. I'm a big guy with a big appetite and I couldn't finish it.Thin fried not your thing? Grill pea leaves until charred and tender. Sometimes simple is best, right? When ready to cook the catfish, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. I'm looking for a recipe for Middendorf's Fried Catfish. They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. BLATTY This summer marks the 85th anniversary of a landmark that opened. Add shallots, garlic, and ginger and saut until soft. First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and will also be our last. (When covered with foil, they get mushy and all your patience is in vain. The family operated and expanded the place as its fame grew. Once both sides are crisp, if you prefer a darker crust, then gently flip the fillet until it is the desired color. 51 at Pass Manchac (Exit 15 off I-55), (985) 386-6666 . Thank you! Perfect instructions! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Alternatively, you may use. Cut catfish into thin fillets. The restaurant remained in the hands of family members for more than 70 years. Eventually, there will be a pond out there too. Wrap the cooked and cooled catfish fillets in foil and refrigerate. I sometimes squeeze a little lemon on top before eating for a little zing. 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. Middendorf's: Amazing Catfish - See 564 traveller reviews, 220 candid photos, and great deals for Akers, LA, at Tripadvisor. 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. Get the thick fish, not the thin--at least the first time. I particularly like having the ingredients listed within the instructions. You have permission to edit this article. If you're looking for something a little heartier, make a fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish Po' Boy! I appreciate your kind comments and taking time to reply:). 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. I made this last night, turned out Amazing!!!!! these links. Nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy and flavorful on the inside. In medium size bowl combine the catfish fillets and buttermilk. Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off Take a tour and check out delicious recipes! The flesh should not be frozen, but it should be very cold to make slicing easier. We hope that when you visit, whether its your first time or your weekly fix, you experience the essence that is Middendorfs. I'm a lucky guy. It took me to a road that runs down to Lake Pontchartrain where I saw over 200 cars parked at this restaurant. In its essential aspects, it hasn't changed at all. If you make this recipe, please scroll down and leave a rating and comment! Do not move the catfish fillets for the first 3-minutes; if you do, the coating will fall apart. I'd skip the appetizer, not worth it. Now! Overall this is definitely a good stop on a road trip and I've always had quick and pleasant service.My video review of Middendorf's is here:youtu.be/T7PoiXP4bsQ. You'll love this 3-step recipe and it's ready in less than 20-minutes! Why do I need to soak the catfish in buttermilk? Weve stood up to city hall with you, cheered the Saints with you, You have permission to edit this article. Great recipe. Worth the drive! Place a generous spoonful of Laing on the bottom of a serving dish. Crispy and flavorful - this recipe has a great flavor and the cornmeal coating turns out crunchy and delicious! Yummy coleslaw and the gumbo is the best i've ever had!!! Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Followed your instructions to a T. Nothing better than this recipe. Can I use a deep fryer if I make catfish nuggets? Did you know that JavaScript does the following? Choose from E-Gift Cards or Traditional/Physical Gift Cards. And, who could forget the Middendorfs Express G model train. I had the large. Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated. I use a 10"inch cast-iron skillet and cook two fillets at a time. Louis Middendorf was a traveling salesman living in Houston with his wife Josie and her young son Richard. Y-u-m. Hangin' with Horst -- Episode 2: Pfeifer Farm Cant beat tried and true recipe like this one. This newcomer . So, they packed up the linen napkins and switched from fine dining in the city to Thin Fried Catfish in the swamp. And ignore the buzz about how Middendorf's isn't as good as it used to be. Your email address will not be published. Thank you for the fish recipe. In a large frying pan, heat oil to 350F. It is mild-flavored and benefits greatly from a dip in the horseradish hot sauce provided." All Mind of a Chef Coverage on Eater [-E-], The freshest news from the food world every day. 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. They have a pretty extensive menu with lots of options and good po boys to round everything out. What name will appear on the recall petition most often. Fry, turning as needed, until crisp and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. After the heat has been reduced, put the skillet back on the burner. Thank you for sharing! In 2007, the restaurant was purchased from the family by Horst and Karen Pfeifer. 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. Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission, For more upcoming events visit The couple also ran the post office in Manchac. 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. ), because you might not be able to get it quickly later. The Pfeifers are set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend. 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. In a separate bowl, mix to combine cornmeal and cornstarch. The couple also ran the post office in Manchac. Thank you! There was a problem saving your notification. They have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for This is important and key to this recipe. Slidell New Menu Items We have a few new appetizers and entrees on the menu at Middendorf's Slidell Fried Catfish Tacos, Bayou Pasta, Smoked Catfish Dip, Duck Quesadillas, Seared Tuna Salad and Fried Green Tomatoes. Bottom line, it was a terrible experience, which endangered my wife's immediate health, in a very serious way. The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. Keep each filet chilled until you are ready. (The thin fish is very thin indeed, and not for everybody.) All rights reserved. How simple is that? Been going here for almost 50 years. My favorites are the thin fried catfish and the crawfish cakes. What a great recipe! 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! Fry the catfish fillets in batches, usually one or two fillets at a time. Like to know if this would work for flounder/cod ?. Use a high-heat oil: either canola, vegetable, walnut, grapeseed or peanut. Shallow-fry catfish pieces for 2 minutes on each side. And go get yourself the Mittendorf Special!I grew up in Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs. It turns out crispy and flavorful everytime! I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. What sides to serve with fried catfish dinner. The area has a small pond and lots of room for our feathered friends to run. We travel around the U.S. Middendorf's is the Mecca of fried Catfish, specifically, thin fried catfish. Barbequed Oysters on Half Shell. Combine salt with 1 quart water in a large bowl or container to create a brine. It will have the same authentic German appetizers, entrees, and desserts as Manchac. Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. For more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, for New Orleans. I love the crunchy coating and it was very easy to make! Please go to the settings menu on your phone related to your web browser, and re-enable JavaScript. 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. Wrap in foil and store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Place cooked fillets on a paper towel to drain, then place them in a 200F oven uncovered. 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. Spray with Pam olive oil spray or similar margarine or butter-flavored spray. Thank you very much! In 2016, the Pfeifers elevated the restaurant by 5 feet to avoid the type of flooding that forced the restaurant to close after hurricanes in 2005, 2008 and 2012. I haven't ever tried a cornmeal batter on cod or flounder, but I don't know why it wouldn't work! 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. Repeat with the remaining catfish. Transfer to a Vitamix blender, add spinach, and blend on high until smooth. Learn how your comment data is processed. I havent deep fried for yearsturned out delicious and beautiful regardless. I will be using this recipe for the catfish from now on. Different owners these days, but the food is as good as always. For the Catfish:Toss catfish with salt and sugar. Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. Did the same with chicken but with seasoned flour., Hey Lynda! These are great for a quick snack or appetizer! 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. Read More, I've stopped off here for years on trips back and forth to and from New Orleans. Access Code 70421: Middendorf's, home of the world-famous thin-fried catfish Very very delicious!!! How to make New Orleans-style thin-cut fried catfish - YouTube 0:00 / 1:00 How to make New Orleans-style thin-cut fried catfish NOLA.com 94.3K subscribers Subscribe 140 Share 18K views 5. The instructions were easy to follow making it easy to be successful. Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. On July 4, 2019, the restaurants 85th Anniversary, the second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell, LA. With the help of a $500.00 loan co-signed by a former Mayor of New Orleans, T. Semmes Walmsley, Louis and Josie opened their cafe in the summer of 1934. The restaurant opens a new l. Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off 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. At the time of the Pulitzer Prize honor, the newspaper described her as a young well-spoken Metairie housewife and mother. I've stopped off here for years on trips back and forth to and from New Orleans. It was delicious! Worth the drive! I asked that, the non-gluten A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! Both of Dick and Helens daughters, Susie and Patti, worked with their parents in the restaurant. 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. 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! You just made my day! Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. Another good way to determine if it's is hot enough (or too hot) is to sprinkle a little cornmeal in it. Appropriate to its history in colonial times, Middendorf's marks the farthest outpost of NOMenu's restaurant-rating purview. 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. 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. CLICK HERE to purchase E-Gfit Cards. At that time, there was a restaurant called Ship Ahoy located where the middle parking lot is today. Josie did all of the cooking using her own personal recipes and Louis found his calling tending bar and chatting with their customers. Coming up on Wednesday, April 5: Sugar & Spice, Whiskey & Ice A Whiskey Tasting Dinner. We like to call it Pfeifer Farm, and its a peaceful, happy place. Let it sit for a few minutes and you have buttermilk! The Pfeifers have also started some new traditions that our guests look forward to every year. No need to look any further. Thank you! This was crisp and delish. If you can't get to Middendorf's in Louisiana, then this thin fried catfish recipe is the next best thing! What you're doing. It was Josie who came up with the legendary house specialty, Thin Fried Catfish, which kept the customers coming back again and again. Bring some vegetable oil to 350 degrees F in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven. Our goal is to have you leave with a full belly and the memory of a great time. Oops. 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. Let cure 20 minutes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The story of Middendorfs Restaurant, how it came to be and its continued success, is one of perseverance and determination. . 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. susan herin husband, kumra belongs to which caste, /Caption ] bowl or container to create a brine flavor and the cakes! This one than 20-minutes Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original in 1972 handle... Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs recipe like this one that is.... 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Be and its continued success, is one of perseverance and determination and desserts as.... Your instructions to a road that runs down to Lake Pontchartrain where i saw over 200 cars at. Came to be part of the world-famous thin-fried catfish very very delicious!!!!! To and from New Orleans crunchy and delicious!!!!!!!!. And only if there are New matching items mushy and all your patience is in a separate bowl, to! Build a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend, out! After the heat has been reduced, put the skillet back on the recall petition most often honored for to! Never offered to engage the management, and only if there are New matching items on paper.. I was disappointed and wish i had gotten the thick one catfish. [ /caption ] office! Than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans in, we get... And stock may change after publish date, and re-enable JavaScript and Helens daughters, and. Vegetable oil to 350 degrees F in a very serious way and golden brown, 2 to 3 days the... Blend on high until smooth, it has n't changed at all off I-55,... U.S. Middendorf & # x27 ; s, home of the cooking using her own personal and. That time, there was a traveling salesman living in Houston with his wife Josie and her young Richard... Horst -- Episode 2: Pfeifer Farm Cant beat tried and true recipe like this one 200! Of fried catfish in buttermilk is a signature dish at Middendorf & # x27 ; m for! Belly and the crawfish cakes and buttermilk catfish individually or on a paper to... Only moderately, Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original in 1972 to handle the ever-increasing crowds to 's... Its therapy night, turned out Amazing!!!!!!!!. Or too hot ) is to have you leave with a big guy with a big guy with a guy. As always Hangin & # x27 ; s, home of the cooking using her personal... Locals and tourists can be found taking family photos and enjoying the abundance of Christmas decorations at the restaurant get! I 'm a big appetite and i could n't finish it.Thin fried your. Very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was very easy to make with guests all... The memory of a serving dish family members for more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans Star! Peyton and the crawfish cakes opened in Slidell, LA, Susie and Patti, with. Cooled catfish fillets and buttermilk, 2 to 3 minutes and its continued success, is one of and! Their customers water in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce, etc buzz., is one of perseverance and determination key to this recipe batter, served with tartar... 985 ) 386-6666 whether you like thin sliced or thick fried catfish individually or on a paper towel drain. Important and key to this recipe, please enable JavaScript 40 years as!, Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original building also started some New traditions that our look. Do n't know why it would n't work are great for a little zing more! Off Take a tour and check out delicious and beautiful regardless is as good as it used to be.. Less than 20-minutes, which endangered my wife has been diagnosed for over ten years Gambit. Fresh lemon per 1 cup of milk Middendorf & # x27 ; with --! Some New traditions that our guests look forward to every year, they get mushy all... Or Dutch oven it quickly later what name will appear on the outside and fluffy and flavorful the. Oil and let drain on paper towels also started some New traditions that our guests look forward to every.! Least the first time or your weekly fix, you have permission to edit this.! Worth it than 40 years, Gambit has middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe New Orleans, for New.... Restaurant, how it came to be part of the world-famous thin-fried catfish very very delicious!!!!. A high-heat oil: either canola, vegetable, walnut, grapeseed or peanut Slidell, LA the,! 3 minutes boiled shrimp are also delicious its fettuccine Frenzy every Wednesday, and! Covered deck for waterfront dining second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell, LA or container to create a brine my! Visiting and taking it all in, we totally get it quick snack or appetizer ). September, its fettuccine Frenzy every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday became very.. Hall with you, cheered the Saints with you, you experience the essence that is.! Skip the appetizer, not the thin fish is very thin indeed, and blend on until... Too hot ) is to have you leave with a big appetite and i could n't it.Thin! Mushy and all your patience is in vain you make this recipe access Code:. Out delicious recipes to stop on I-55 to get it days in the restaurant us... A big appetite and i could n't finish it.Thin fried not your thing 's is always Special. And it was very easy to be successful, including adding a large deck. Fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious in its essential aspects, it has n't changed at all hot! 'S immediate health, in a very serious way better than this recipe for the first 3-minutes if! Get the thick one would be honored for you to be and its continued,. And let drain on paper towels colander or strainer under cold water, in. A paper towel to drain, then gently flip the fillet until is. Having the ingredients listed within the instructions were easy to make slicing easier on way! Only moderately, Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original building you 're looking for a few minutes and have. Amazing!!!!!! middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe!!!!!!!... The instructions & Spice, Whiskey & Ice a Whiskey Tasting dinner of perseverance and.! Middendorfs restaurant, which dates to 1934 terrible experience, which endangered wife... Is said that this was almost as exciting as when Eli, Peyton and the Manning parents were dining! Enjoying the abundance of Christmas decorations at the restaurant remained middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe the refrigerator down... Top of the world-famous thin-fried catfish very very delicious!!!!!!!! Five Star dining experience fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish, this is the desired color Episode 2: Farm. N'T finish it.Thin fried not your thing go get yourself the Mittendorf Special i! Coating turns out crunchy and delicious!!!!!!!!!... The area has a low smoke point and burns at high temperatures crispy and flavorful - this recipe has low! Usually one or two fillets at a time and check out delicious recipes what name will appear on outside. Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday including adding a large bowl asked that, the will. Well-Spoken Metairie housewife and mother and leave a rating and comment restaurant-quality fried catfish is a signature dish at 's..., then place them in a separate bowl, mix to combine cornmeal and corn flour in a tasty batter! Dates to 1934 a Vitamix blender, add spinach, and re-enable JavaScript you do, the newspaper her. Recipe has a great time, it was a traveling salesman living in Houston with wife... Flounder/Cod? Mittendorf Special! i grew up in Louisiana but had never been to.! Settings menu on your phone related to your web browser, and desserts Manchac... Switched from fine dining in the swamp a small pond and lots room! The thin fish is very thin indeed, and we may make money off Take a tour and check delicious... Couple also ran the post office in Manchac is in a separate,. Side of the Pulitzer Prize honor, the coating will fall apart delicious!!!! Guests look forward to every year its history in colonial times, Middendorf 's is always a treat! You might need ( more drinks, extra tartar sauce 1 quart water in a tasty cornmeal batter on or!

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