A little reason to celebrate
National Catfish Day
Food ยท June 25
A day for catfish, the whiskered freshwater fish that ends up fried in cornmeal, blackened, or grilled on plates across the American South and beyond.
National Catfish Day falls on Friday, June 25, 2027. That is 241 days away.
Catfish are freshwater fish named for the long barbels around their mouths, which look a lot like whiskers. They live in rivers, lakes and ponds, and many are raised on farms. In American kitchens they are best known as a mild, flaky white fish.
The classic way to eat it is fried. Fillets get a coat of seasoned cornmeal, go into hot oil, and come out golden and crisp. Hushpuppies, coleslaw and a wedge of lemon usually sit alongside. Some cooks prefer it blackened with a spice crust, others bake it, grill it, or simmer it into a stew. Because the flavor is gentle, it takes well to whatever seasoning you hand it.
Catfish fries have long been a community affair in parts of the South, with long tables, paper plates and a big pot of oil working through the afternoon. Fish camps and roadside restaurants keep the habit going, and plenty of families have a cornmeal mix they consider the only correct one.
People who fish for catfish often go out in the evening, since many catfish feed at night and find food largely by taste and smell. Their skin is smooth and scaleless, so cleaning one is a different job from scaling a bass, and old hands usually reach for pliers.
If you are cooking at home, patting the fillets dry before dredging helps the cornmeal stick, and a cast iron skillet holds heat well enough to keep the crust crisp.
Ways to celebrate
- Try frying catfish fillets in a seasoned cornmeal coating.
- Look for a local fish camp or catfish restaurant.
- Make hushpuppies and coleslaw to serve on the side.
- Share your family's catfish recipe with a friend.
- Try blackened catfish for a spicier take.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday, June 25 |
| 2027 | Friday, June 25 |
| 2028 | Sunday, June 25 |
| 2029 | Monday, June 25 |
| 2030 | Tuesday, June 25 |
Also on June 25
Categories: Food days