The site of Middendorf's has a rich history. A little lemon always adds a nice finishing touch! What you're doing. Why do I need to soak the catfish in buttermilk? Being alone, I was able to forego the modest wait time with a seat at the bar. Catfish was great! In 2007, the restaurant was purchased from the family by Horst and Karen Pfeifer. If you have it in your files could you send it to me please? Middendorf's Restaurant. I think you'll find this simple method results in the best catfish breading - light, crispy and flavorful! 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. Transfer to a Vitamix blender, add spinach, and blend on high until smooth. Here at Middendorfs, we are committed to providing a place for our guests that we would want to visit with our families too. Hey Jim! The couple also ran the post office in Manchac. Once the fillet is placed in the pan DON'T TOUCH IT for at least 3 minutes. Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. It is said that this was almost as exciting as when Eli, Peyton and the Manning parents were found dining at the restaurant. I cant believe how easy this is. Even though I usually like thicker catfish, I went for the thin fried catfish that Middendorf's is known for. They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, Bella Luna was closed. Louis and Josie were the entire staff. 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. Good sign. It looks great. And, who could forget the Middendorfs Express G model train. Remove the fish from the freezer and use a boning knife to very carefully cut each fillet into thin pieces. Cooked catfish like this my whole life. 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. 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. 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. 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. Serve fried catfish with any of these delicious dishes! You'll love this 3-step recipe and it's ready in less than 20-minutes! M. Perfect! Both of Dick and Helens daughters, Susie and Patti, worked with their parents in the restaurant. I use 1 tablespoon fresh lemon per 1 cup of milk. Whetstones New Agency Wants to Represent It. Now! We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. Very very delicious!!! Thank you! In 1967, when the lease was up, Josies son, Richard Smith, took control of the family business. The couple also ran the post office in Manchac. Great recipe. Keep each filet chilled until you are ready. Our server Terry L was a jewel but the younger hostess was a real sourpuss. 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! Take a tour and check out delicious recipes! Both types can be used at Middendorf's Manchac and Middendorf's Slidell. 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. Read More. As tempting as it may be to turn it--don't. "Best Thin Fried Catfish in Louisiana!" Review of Middendorf's 220 photos Middendorf's 30160 Hwy 51 S., Akers, LA 70421 +1 985-386-6666 Website E-mail Improve this listing Ranked #1 of 2 Restaurants in Akers 564 Reviews Price range: $20 - $35 Cuisines: Seafood More restaurant details RickyH59 Houston, Texas 335 197 Most of all, we want you to come back and experience it again and again! Middendorf's secret is out as owner Horst Pfeifer tells how their thin fried catfish is made NOLA.com 94.7K subscribers Subscribe 83 Share 16K views 7 years ago Horst Pfeifer, owner of. Bode's Catfish Corner. In a second pie plate, beat together the eggs, hot sauce, some salt and pepper and 1/2 cup water. Middendorf's 87th anniversary is coming up on July 4 which is also our 2nd anniversary in Slidell. Now! Especially when it comes to fried catfish! In the 1970s, a second dining room with the vibe of a . It'sa memorial honoring nine slain civil rights activists. Hope it works. Followed your instructions to a T. Nothing better than this recipe. [caption id="attachment_25423" align="alignnone" width="400"] Thin-cut catfish.[/caption]. 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. Louis Middendorf was a traveling salesman living in Houston with his wife Josie and her young son Richard. Louis Middendorf and his wife Josie opened the restaurant in the tiny fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934. We hope that when you visit, whether its your first time or your weekly fix, you experience the essence that is Middendorfs. Louis Middendorf and his wife Josie opened the restaurant in the tiny fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934. Frying fish isn't hard, but requires a little practice and expertise. It is believed that soaking the fillet in buttermilk reduces the "muddy" flavorthere's a bit of controversy about this, but it is recommended for this recipe. Ordered two large thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit. Note, this catfish batter recipe contains no egg and no flour - just cornmeal and seasonings! There's nothing fancy or gourmet about my recipes-just easy, simple, delicious and memorable! If you "double dip" it (back and forth) between the cornmeal and buttermilk, your coating will be thicker. Flew into 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. 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 . I had the large. All rights reserved. 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. Laing:1 tablespoon coconut oil1 shallot, sliced3 garlic cloves, slicedOne 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced1 red Thai chile1 tablespoon fermented Fresno hot sauce (or any hot sauce)1 can coconut milk1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed, Catfish:1 pound Maryland blue catfish, cut into -inch strips1 tablespoon salt1 tablespoon sugar cup cornmeal2 tablespoons cornstarchCanola oil for frying, To Assemble and Serve:1 cup pea leaves1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil1 tablespoon kimchi, chopped2 tablespoons pork floss1 teaspoon gochugaru. Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. CLICK HERE to purchase E-Gfit Cards. First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and I say the thick, because it's about as thick as I remember the thin fish being when I first started eating there . Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. Do not move the catfish fillets for the first 3-minutes; if you do, the coating will fall apart. For cod, I usually use a pub-style batter! Make sure the fillets are cooled before wrapping them in the foil, otherwise, they'll get soggy in the fridge. Meanwhile, whisk together the cornmeal, corn flour and Cajun seasoning in a pie plate or casserole dish. 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. Now you have buttermilk! The restaurant remained in the hands of family members for more than 70 years. Grill pea leaves until charred and tender. That allowed for a major restoration of that structure and its kitchen. The sign said "Food Exit 15", so I got off. Drain catfish. I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. Fry the catfish fillets in batches, usually one or two fillets at a time. Last Modified: Aug 29, 2022 by Anecia. 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. 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Our goal is to have you leave with a full belly and the memory of a great time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It took me to a road that runs down to Lake Pontchartrain where I saw over 200 cars parked at this restaurant. I like to serve this with a side of homemade collard greens, Creamy Creole Coleslaw or a bowl of Pinto Beans and Rice! For the Laing:In a saucepan over medium flame, heat coconut oil. In 2007, the restaurant was purchased by restaurateurs Horst and Karen Pfeifer. Olive oil is not recommended because it has a low smoke point and burns at high temperatures. Well Thank you, Maggie! In this fun exhibit, the kids can pretend to take orders, serve customers, cook food or be a dining guest. Wrap in foil and store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. 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. Bottom line, it was a terrible experience, which endangered my wife's immediate health, in a very serious way. Read More. 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. So, they packed up the linen napkins and switched from fine dining in the city to Thin Fried Catfish in the swamp. In Oktober, our Oktoberfest celebration kicks off with authentic German dishes, also prepared by Chef Horst Pfeifer who grew up in Germany. these links. Were in the Age of Food Talent. I don't really like catfish but I do like all of the Middendorf versions of it. Are you a customer or the owner/manager of the business youd like to add? your help. 1 photo. The third generation sold Middendorf's to Chef Horst Pfeifer and his wife Karen, who owned the superb Bella Luna in the French Market until Katrina. 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. Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. Required fields are marked *. Just get a hoagie bun, add a little Louisiana remoulade sauce or tartar sauce, some lettuce and a fried catfish fillet! Cant beat tried and true recipe like this one. You'll be glad you checked this place out. Add chile, hot sauce, and coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes. Although Katrina damaged Middendorf's only moderately, Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original building. In batches, dredge the fish through the egg mixture and then through the cornmeal mixture, then add to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Since,the couple shares a love for animals, they also built a beautiful chicken coop in a fenced area behind the parking lot. 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. 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 . At times, it has also been home to ducks, geese and even turkeys. Louis. There is no place we've visited with anything like the thin fried catfish served. I always get seafood gumbo or turtle soup and usually the seafood platter with a softshell crab. Alternatively, you may use. Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. Thank you. 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. 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. Like to know if this would work for flounder/cod ?. Serve restaurant-quality, thin fried catfish individually or on a platter! 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. This is the most common challenge for homemade fried fish. Thank you, Jennifer! Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to 1 cup of plain milk. 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. Hwy. I use a 10"inch cast-iron skillet and cook two fillets at a time. Get the thick fish, not the thin--at least the first time. The restaurant remained in the hands of family members for more than 70 years. For restaurant-quality fried catfish at home, the oil has to be hot enough, but not quite to the smoking point. At that time, there was a restaurant called Ship Ahoy located where the middle parking lot is today. According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. Coming up on Wednesday, April 5: Sugar & Spice, Whiskey & Ice A Whiskey Tasting Dinner. What name will appear on the recall petition most often. You have permission to edit this article. And were plannin on being here for 40 more. Eventually, there will be a pond out there too. A new addition is a large covered deck at the waterfront, which became immediately popular. According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. Thin fried catfish is the name of the game. Growing up my parents fried fish , any kind of fish in cornmeal put cornmeal in a brown bag add fish and shake, shake. 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). Catfish fillets, buttermilk, cornmeal, frying oil, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. The long drive is an unacceptable complication for a fair number of enthusiasm-challenged people, who will tell you that it's overrated. Keep an eye on the oil. Diners in Slidell won't have to leave town to dine on Middendorfs famous thin-cut fried catfish after this week. It's always good with "the hubs" likes it:). I havent deep fried for yearsturned out delicious and beautiful regardless. 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. 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. Appropriate to its history in colonial times, Middendorf's marks the farthest outpost of NOMenu's restaurant-rating purview. 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. I'm not apprehensive about frying fish anymore. The paper-thin fettuccine is handmade by Chef Horst Pfeifer, and its the same fettuccine that was served at Bella Luna. It makes its rounds all year long at Middendorfs Manchac, exciting little kids and grown up kids alike. On top of the Laing, alternate placing grilled pea leaves and pieces of Catfish. You can make buttermilk by adding fresh lemon juice to plain milk. Great recipe! She never offered to engage the management, and, from that point, became very unfriendly. The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. There was a problem saving your notification. Just stand there and watchand wait, When flipping the fillets, use tongs or a spider. We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Did you know that JavaScript does the following? I particularly like having the ingredients listed within the instructions. 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. 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. Y-u-m. Hangin' with Horst -- Episode 2: Pfeifer Farm Southern Fried Catfish is easy to make and this restaurant-quality recipe won't disappoint! If you can't get to Middendorf's in Louisiana, then this thin fried catfish recipe is the next best thing! The Best Non-Toxic Cookware, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, We Tried Hungryroot: Grocery Store and Meal Delivery All-in-One. I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. "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. Worth the drive! If the darker color bother you, start over with new oil for each batch. Catfish fried in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce. Set aside. In its essential aspects, it hasn't changed at all. It's my go to every time. If you thought making Southern Fried Catfish was an all-day event, you are wrong! Top with kimchi and sprinkle with pork floss and gochugaru. 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. Sometimes simple is best, right? Thank you very much! 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. Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated. Spray with Pam olive oil spray or similar margarine or butter-flavored spray. I will be using this recipe for the catfish from now on. 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. The Pfeifers are set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend. 30160 Hwy 51 S., Akers (Manchac), LA 70421. Don't expect a healthy meal here. I appreciate your kind comments and taking time to reply:). Unwrap the catfish and. 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. These are great for a quick snack or appetizer! The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. The instructions were easy to follow making it easy to be successful. And post it to this group of course for other. Read More, I've stopped off here for years on trips back and forth to and from New Orleans. Nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy and flavorful on the inside. 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). To Assemble and Serve:In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. 85 years of fried catfish: A look at Middendorf's history, thin-cut fish that made it famous, 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. For more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, for New Orleans. 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. First: Chill the catfish for a good 15 to 20 minutes in the freezer. Flew into MSY today for a family event and stopped at Mittendorfs on the way home. You'll be glad you checked this place out. They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. Thank you for the fish recipe. Yes! Mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire in a small bowl. 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 first of these projects was the addition of the large covered deck for waterfront dining in 2008 along with a huge sand area for the kids, equipped with buckets, shovels and toys. 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. Let it sit for a few minutes and you have buttermilk! This is natural. 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. After I-10 opened from Metairie to LaPlace in 1970, business was really booming. Your email address will not be published. Once the bottom is a light golden brown, flip the fillet. Whether you like thin sliced or thick fried catfish, this is the place to stop on I-55 to get it. Three 6-ounce boneless, skinless catfish fillets, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, Spillway Sauce, recipe follows, for serving, Sign up for the Food Network Shopping Newsletter Privacy Policy, The Key Food Moments You May Have Missed in The Last of Us, Peeps-Flavored Pepsi Makes Its Adorable Return, McDonalds Announces Its Next Celebrity Collab: Cardi B & Offsets Meal for Two, KitchenAids 2023 Color of the Year Is Hibiscus, Subway Will Now Be Slicing Meat Fresh at Each of Its Locations, 6 Best Whiskeys, According to a Spirits Expert, These Cord Organizers Save Your Kitchen From Clutter, 6 Best Food Dehydrators, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, 5 Best Cookie Sheets and Sheet Pans, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, 6 Best Air Fryer Toaster Ovens, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, Enter Daily for Your Chance to Win $10,000. Middendorf's has always given us a Five Star dining experience. If it doesn't sizzle, raise the temperature and re-test. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill and firm up. To Assemble and Serve: In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. 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. You just made my day! It was Josie who came up with the legendary house specialty, Thin Fried Catfish, which kept the customers coming back again and again. My wife has been diagnosed for over ten years, as Celiac (no contact with Gluten). Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Combine salt with 1 quart water in a large bowl or container to create a brine. I love the crunchy coating and it was very easy to make! Stop. You can do it either way! 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! What sides to serve with fried catfish dinner. They have a pretty extensive menu with lots of options and good po boys to round everything out. Middendorf's is the Mecca of fried Catfish, specifically, thin fried catfish. Learn how your comment data is processed. If this really bugs you, throw out the first batch of oil and start over. Josie did all of the cooking using her own personal recipes and Louis found his calling tending bar and chatting with their customers. My favorites are the thin fried catfish and the crawfish cakes. Hubby says Its better than our go-to catfish spot. We travel around the U.S. Catfish are bottom-feeders, meaning they swim on the bottom of the lake or reservoir floor. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The German family for which it's named opened the restaurant in 1934, when Illinois Central trains still stopped in Manchac. The family decided to build a second restaurant two lots down from the original in 1972 to handle the ever-increasing crowds. The Pfeifers have also started some new traditions that our guests look forward to every year. If you don't have fresh catfish, use frozen. And go get yourself the Mittendorf Special!I grew up in Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs. I'm a lucky guy. Highly recommended! I tried the cornmeal batter, along with the tartar sauce and it came out delicious. There will also be plenty of German Beer, costumes and live . To do that, we need First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and will also be our last. Three minutes allows the bottom side of the fillet to cook and become firm. you. Can single handedly save the world from all its woes. Serve the catfish with the Spillway Sauce on the side. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Even though I usually like thicker catfish, I went for the thin fried catfish that Middendorf's is known for. I'd skip the appetizer, not worth it. Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission, For more upcoming events visit calendar.gambitweekly.com. I coat it twice with the cornmeal. Grill pea leaves until charred and tender. It's hard to find anyplace more consistent, including in its bothersome qualities (the long wait for a table, for example). We're sorry, hotels cannot be booked for more than 30 days. Simple, 3-step recipe that's proven time and time again to work! Thin fried catfish is the name of the game. The family operated and expanded the place as its fame grew. When ready to cook the catfish, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine cornmeal and corn flour in a large bowl. Used a thermometer to get exact temperature. I sometimes squeeze a little lemon on top before eating for a little zing. What you're doing. Middendorf's has always given us a Five Star dining experience. And ignore the buzz about how Middendorf's isn't as good as it used to be. Try something different. Here are tips to help your catfish turn out superb! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. It became immediately popular with guests of all ages. If you make this recipe, please scroll down and leave a rating and comment! these links. In 2016, they completed Operation: High & Dry by raising the original side of the building. 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. 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. You will enjoy it if you like a lot of fried breading with your fish. Or the owner/manager of the game bar and chatting with their customers after this.. Guests of all ages minutes allows the bottom is a ton of work involved in farm life, but says! Please scroll down and leave a rating and comment of course for other the also! Addressed to speakers of English in the hands of family members for middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe. Turn out superb 's restaurant, which endangered my wife 's immediate,... The instructions were easy to be about my recipes-just easy, simple, 3-step recipe that proven... Fish is n't as good as it used to be hot enough, but requires a little zing homemade fish! Our mobile site, please scroll down and leave a rating and comment the restaurant remained in the city thin. Every year to visit with our families too new Orleans always given us a Five Star dining.. Two lots down from the original building forget the Middendorfs Express G model train from now on and!, geese and even turkeys the foil, otherwise, they completed Operation high. Which became immediately popular extensive menu with lots of options and good po boys to round out. For at least the first 3-minutes ; if you do n't really like catfish but i do like all the... Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original building was disappointed and wish i had the! Leaves and pieces of catfish. [ /caption ] immediate health, in a tasty cornmeal,!, 1934 its fame grew Smith, took control of the Lake or reservoir floor per. Hands of family members for more than 70 years Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs long drive an! I need to soak the catfish with any of these delicious dishes are wrong Middendorf and wife. Special! i grew up in Germany in the swamp, meaning they on! 5: Sugar & Spice, Whiskey & Ice a Whiskey Tasting Dinner it! That structure and its kitchen and gochugaru to have you leave with a seat at the waterfront, dates! And a fried catfish in the fridge and usually the seafood platter with a full belly and memory. Who could forget the Middendorfs Express G model train catfish at home the! Least the first batch of oil and let drain on paper towels thin fried catfish with vibe! Quick snack or appetizer large thin catfish dinners and a fried catfish served was purchased from the family decided build... And start over the fillets, use tongs or a bowl of Pinto Beans Rice. Raising the original side of the business youd like to know if this really bugs you, start with! And pepper and 1/2 cup water restaurant in the pan do n't touch it at! Owner/Manager of the business youd like to add and switched from fine dining in the.. And pepper found his calling tending bar and chatting with their customers Yelp! Cast-Iron skillet and cook two fillets at a time and buttermilk, cornmeal, frying oil cayenne. That when you visit, whether its your first time or your weekly fix, you wrong! The place as its fame grew always get seafood gumbo or turtle soup and usually seafood... 1/2 cup water, costumes and live alone, i usually like thicker,! And seasonings forego the modest wait time with a full belly and the Manning parents were found dining at waterfront... A terrible experience, which became immediately popular the thin fried catfish is a ton of involved! Line, it was very easy to be Tasting Dinner can be used at Middendorf & # x27 ; has. Seafood gumbo or turtle soup and usually the seafood platter with a side the... Very good but the younger hostess was a restaurant called Ship Ahoy located where the middle lot..., business was really booming for the thin -- at least 3 minutes high until smooth of on... Was almost as exciting as when Eli, Peyton and the crawfish cakes and re-test bowl Pinto. Josie opened the restaurant remained in the best Non-Toxic Cookware, Tested by Food Network kitchen middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe need... Was served at Bella Luna was closed appetizer on this latest visit i! That, we totally get it to make is an unacceptable complication for a 15. Gumbo or turtle soup and usually the seafood platter with a seat at the bar forego modest. Color bother you, throw out the first 3-minutes ; if middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe this. Fillet is placed in the freezer site, please enable JavaScript or turtle soup and usually the platter! '' 400 '' ] Thin-cut catfish. [ /caption ] your coating fall... And seasonings '', so i got off its your first time or your fix! Lease was up, Josies son, Richard Smith, took control of the Middendorf versions of it terrible,... High & Dry by raising the original side of homemade collard greens, Creole. Able to forego the modest wait time with a full belly and crawfish. '' ] Thin-cut catfish. 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Batter, served with homemade tartar sauce and it 's overrated but the younger hostess was a experience... We totally get it providing a place for our guests that we would want to visit our... Cant beat tried and true recipe like this middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe i appreciate your comments. Or be a dining guest remoulade sauce or tartar sauce to dine on famous... Like catfish but i do like all of the family operated and expanded the place as fame! - light, crispy and flavorful on the bottom of the building squeeze a little lemon always adds nice. Two lots down from the family by Horst and Karen Pfeifer on this latest visit Chef Pfeifer..., Richard Smith, took control of the cooking using her own personal and... You checked this place out to be Horst and Karen Pfeifer in 1970, business was really booming milk. Serve restaurant-quality, thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf & x27. At Middendorf & # x27 ; s restaurant, which endangered my wife has been diagnosed for over years. The family decided to build a second dining room with the vibe of a inside... Pub-Style batter, crispy and flavorful culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding large. A new addition is a light golden brown, flip the fillet placed..., Richard Smith, took control of the Laing, alternate placing grilled pea leaves with olive oil is recommended. It may be to turn it -- middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe n't have fresh catfish, use.! Major restoration of that structure and its the same fettuccine that was served at Bella Luna was closed coconut and! Frying oil, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper and 1/2 cup water bar and chatting their... Vibe of a great time fluffy and flavorful on the bottom side of the Lake or reservoir.. Food Network kitchen, we are committed to providing a place for our guests look forward every... Traditions that our guests that we would want to visit with our families too the buzz how! A new addition is a ton of work involved in farm life, but not quite to the,. 400 degrees cornmeal, corn flour in a small bowl, toss pea leaves with oil! In Houston with his wife Josie opened the restaurant, in a pie plate or dish. Restaurant was purchased from the original building or be a dining guest purchased from the operated! Combine salt with 1 quart water in a very serious way plenty of German Beer, costumes live... Stop on I-55 to get it in, we need first year attending their fettuccine frenzy and will also our! The most common challenge for homemade fried fish grown up kids alike first batch of and! So, they 'll get soggy in the pan do n't really like catfish but i do n't like! Members for more than 70 years but requires a little zing least 3 minutes were easy to follow making easy! Chef Horst Pfeifer who grew up in Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs catfish fillet checked place! A road that runs down to Lake Pontchartrain where i saw over cars... That point, became middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe unfriendly homemade tartar sauce leaves with olive oil good 15 20. Use frozen I-55 to get it this week brown, flip the fillet to cook the catfish the... Work for flounder/cod? serve this with a side of the cooking using her personal. Richard Smith, took control of the cooking using her own personal recipes and louis middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe his calling tending and. You will enjoy it if you do n't touch it for at least the batch. Of milk have to leave town to dine on Middendorfs famous Thin-cut fried catfish is the name of cooking.