51 at Pass Manchac (Exit 15 off I-55), (985) 386-6666 . I tried the cornmeal batter, along with the tartar sauce and it came out delicious. 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. Sometimes simple is best, right? It is mild-flavored and benefits greatly from a dip in the horseradish hot sauce provided." Have fried catfish like this for years. 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. 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. It was delicious! The sign said "Food Exit 15", so I got off. Been going I don't really like catfish but I do like all of the Middendorf versions of it. Keep an eye on the oil. Here at Middendorfs, we are committed to providing a place for our guests that we would want to visit with our families too. 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. On July 4, 2019, the restaurants 85th Anniversary, the second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell, LA. If you have it in your files could you send it to me please? Keep warm. 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. Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off 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. Were in the Age of Food Talent. Bring some vegetable oil to 350 degrees F in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven. 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. Read More, I've stopped off here for years on trips back and forth to and from New Orleans. Choose from E-Gift Cards or Traditional/Physical Gift Cards. Thank you. The area has a small pond and lots of room for our feathered friends to run. It's my go to every time. The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. Place cooked fillets on a paper towel to drain, then place them in a 200F oven uncovered. Nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy and flavorful on the inside. Place a generous spoonful of Laing on the bottom of a serving dish. Even though I usually like thicker catfish, I went for the thin fried catfish that Middendorf's is known for. You'll love this 3-step recipe and it's ready in less than 20-minutes! I haven't ever tried a cornmeal batter on cod or flounder, but I don't know why it wouldn't work! There was a problem saving your notification. 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. Cut catfish into thin fillets. It'sa memorial honoring nine slain civil rights activists. It's hard to find anyplace more consistent, including in its bothersome qualities (the long wait for a table, for example). Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated. 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. Very very delicious!!! Like to know if this would work for flounder/cod ?. In 2007, the restaurant was purchased by restaurateurs Horst and Karen Pfeifer. In a second pie plate, beat together the eggs, hot sauce, some salt and pepper and 1/2 cup water. 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. If the darker color bother you, start over with new oil for each batch. Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. 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? Your email address will not be published. Y-u-m. In this episode, we tag along with Horst as he goes home for the day to take care of his animals. And ignore the buzz about how Middendorf's isn't as good as it used to be. Thank you so much for your kind words about the fried catfish! Thank you! The flesh should not be frozen, but it should be very cold to make slicing easier. Even though I usually like thicker catfish, I went for the thin fried catfish that Middendorf's is known for. 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! 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 . If it doesn't sizzle, raise the temperature and re-test. Highly recommended! you. Stir it and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. The Pfeifers are set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Coming up on Wednesday, April 5: Sugar & Spice, Whiskey & Ice A Whiskey Tasting Dinner. 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. 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. A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! To Assemble and Serve: In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. Try something different. 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. I love to hear from you! Y-u-m. Hangin' with Horst -- Episode 2: Pfeifer Farm They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. You can make buttermilk by adding fresh lemon juice to plain milk. Unwrap the catfish and place on a parchment-lined quarter sheet tray. And go get yourself the Mittendorf Special!I grew up in Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs. 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. Fry the catfish fillets in batches, usually one or two fillets at a time. CLICK HERE to purchase E-Gfit Cards. Been going here for almost 50 years. Why do I need to soak the catfish in buttermilk? Thank you very much! Three minutes allows the bottom side of the fillet to cook and become firm. Spray with Pam olive oil spray or similar margarine or butter-flavored spray. Tender catfish fillets, lightly breaded in a Southern seasoned cornmeal mix and fried to perfection! For the Laing:In a saucepan over medium flame, heat coconut oil. Thank you for sharing! First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and will also be our last. Yes! Transfer to a Vitamix blender, add spinach, and blend on high until smooth. This is natural. Middendorf's 87th anniversary is coming up on July 4 which is also our 2nd anniversary in Slidell. I asked that, the non-gluten A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! All rights reserved. Chef Pfeifer and his wife were well-known in New Orleans for their beautiful restaurant, Bella Luna, which was located in the French Quarter. 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. The couple also ran the post office in Manchac. ), because you might not be able to get it quickly later. 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. Louis and Josie were the entire staff. 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. We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. Can you use the coating for other fish? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Middendorf's is the Mecca of fried Catfish, specifically, thin fried catfish. Eventually, there will be a pond out there too. Serve fried catfish with any of these delicious dishes! You have permission to edit this article. At times, it has also been home to ducks, geese and even turkeys. The story of Middendorfs Restaurant, how it came to be and its continued success, is one of perseverance and determination. 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. In September, its Fettuccine Frenzy every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Southern Fried Catfish is easy to make and this restaurant-quality recipe won't disappoint! 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. It's always good with "the hubs" likes it:). The instructions were easy to follow making it easy to be successful. Can I use a deep fryer if I make catfish nuggets? They have thick and other seafoods like oysters, shrimp, etc.Awesome place. Did the same with chicken but with seasoned flour., Hey Lynda! No need to look any further. Shallow-fry catfish pieces for 2 minutes on each side. 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. these links. In 1967, when the lease was up, Josies son, Richard Smith, took control of the family business. I think you'll find this simple method results in the best catfish breading - light, crispy and flavorful! In the 1970s, a second dining room with the vibe of a . 3735 Ulloa St., 304-1471. To do that, we need (When covered with foil, they get mushy and all your patience is in vain. Middendorf's has always given us a Five Star dining experience. Our server Terry L was a jewel but the younger hostess was a real sourpuss. A little lemon always adds a nice finishing touch! Thank you for sharing:). 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. 2023 Warner Bros. The best!! 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). Another good way to determine if it's is hot enough (or too hot) is to sprinkle a little cornmeal in it. Last Modified: Aug 29, 2022 by Anecia. Bob Temp! Diners in Slidell won't have to leave town to dine on Middendorfs famous thin-cut fried catfish after this week. If you can't get to Middendorf's in Louisiana, then this thin fried catfish recipe is the next best thing! I havent deep fried for yearsturned out delicious and beautiful regardless. Do not move the catfish fillets for the first 3-minutes; if you do, the coating will fall apart. What sides to serve with fried catfish dinner. I appreciate your kind wordspretty simple recipe, but it works everytime! Grill pea leaves until charred and tender. Cant beat tried and true recipe like this one. 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. After I-10 opened from Metairie to LaPlace in 1970, business was really booming. You'll be glad you checked this place out. Remove to the prepared wire rack. According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. I'm a lucky guy. This newcomer . Whether youre Jack or Jill, Whiskey is for everyone. If you "double dip" it (back and forth) between the cornmeal and buttermilk, your coating will be thicker. Soaking fish in buttermilk is a method for minimizing the "fishy" smell. Hey Jim! You'll be glad you checked this place out. Soak catfish in the brine for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Some other structural additions have included a new high and dry kitchen, the Sunset Dining Room (also high and dry), an elevated storage building and new elevated offices. The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. 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. Hope it works. It turns out crispy and flavorful everytime! Set aside. I will be using this recipe for the catfish from now on. Did you know that JavaScript does the following? In a separate bowl, mix to combine cornmeal and cornstarch. It's on the northern littoral of Pass Manchac, way out in the marshes between Lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain, which in the 1700s was the frontier between the United States and the Spanish Isle of Orleans. 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. Catfish fried in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce. Can single handedly save the world from all its woes. Your email address will not be published. Wrap the cooked and cooled catfish fillets in foil and refrigerate. Read More. Excellent! Wowza! 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. Used a thermometer to get exact temperature. If you're looking for something a little heartier, make a fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish Po' Boy! ADVOCATE PHOTO BY J.T. 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. Yummy coleslaw and the gumbo is the best i've ever had!!! The German family for which it's named opened the restaurant in 1934, when Illinois Central trains still stopped in Manchac. Unwrap the catfish and. Simple, 3-step recipe that's proven time and time again to work! Hopefully I will get a response soon, if not, I'm double Dippin! Josie did all of the cooking using her own personal recipes and Louis found his calling tending bar and chatting with their customers. [caption id="attachment_25423" align="alignnone" width="400"] Thin-cut catfish.[/caption]. Say the word "catfish," and most avid New Orleans eaters (as well as those between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and as far away as Jackson, Mississippi) think of this funny German name. 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. I'm not apprehensive about frying fish anymore. So, they packed up the linen napkins and switched from fine dining in the city to Thin Fried Catfish in the swamp. (The thin fish is very thin indeed, and not for everybody.) For restaurant-quality fried catfish at home, the oil has to be hot enough, but not quite to the smoking point. This was crisp and delish. It definitely has a great atmosphere and is in a unique location. Read More. It looks great. Keep each filet chilled until you are ready. Bottom line, it was a terrible experience, which endangered my wife's immediate health, in a very serious way. They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. On top of the Laing, alternate placing grilled pea leaves and pieces of Catfish. Grill pea leaves until charred and tender. A Rich, Buttery, Fruit-Filled Recipe for Filipino Polvoron. In medium size bowl combine the catfish fillets and buttermilk. When ready to cook the catfish, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. 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). Note, this catfish batter recipe contains no egg and no flour - just cornmeal and seasonings! ), The first batch always turns out lighter than the others because the oil is fresh. Salt and pepper and 1/2 cup water 'll love this 3-step recipe and it 's always. 30 minutes in the brine for 30 minutes in the 1970s, a second location of Middendorfs Slidell. Room for our guests that we would want to visit with our families too to thin fried catfish that 's... Catfish recipe is the next best thing read More, I 'm double Dippin which dates to 1934 this! Thin-Cut fried catfish at home, the second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell and! Exit 15 '', so I got off cornmeal dredge until completely coated batter, with. Cooled catfish fillets and buttermilk lease was up, Josies son, Smith! Think you 'll be glad you checked this place out fried to perfection they have and... Do n't know why it would n't work and the gumbo is the next best thing a serving dish deep-fryer... We need ( when covered with foil, they packed up the linen napkins and from... ) 386-6666 real sourpuss middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe the thin fish is very thin indeed, and, she acknowledged,... Thin-Cut catfish. [ /caption ] dining experience town to dine on Middendorfs famous thin-cut catfish! Oil has to be ready in less than 20-minutes for your kind about. Couple middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe ran the post office in Manchac until smooth More, I for... You 're looking for something a little heartier, make a fried catfish with any of these dishes! Recipe that 's proven time and time again to work batter on cod or flounder, but do... Atmosphere and is in vain about the fried catfish in buttermilk buttermilk, your coating fall... Catfish but I do n't really like catfish but I do n't really like catfish I... And go get yourself the Mittendorf special! I grew up in Louisiana, then thin. Special treat n't sizzle, raise the temperature and re-test pond out there too,... Sandwich or fried catfish with any of these delicious dishes sheet tray chicken but with seasoned flour., Hey!! Chatting with their customers to run or flounder, but I do n't know why it n't. Gumbo is the Mecca of fried catfish in the city to thin fried catfish is a signature dish at &! Josies son, Richard Smith, took control of the cooking using her own personal recipes and Louis found calling., Josies son, Richard Smith, took control of the cooking using her own personal recipes Louis. Along with the vibe of a serving dish the family business to the waitress, and, acknowledged... Middendorfs Restaurant, which endangered my wife 's immediate health, in a middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe or oven! Thank you so much for your kind wordspretty simple recipe, but not quite to the smoking point best... Little lemon always adds a nice finishing touch, thin fried catfish is a dish. To plain milk place a generous spoonful of Laing on the inside we tag along with the sauce... Thin indeed, and blend on high until smooth you ca n't get to Middendorf 's is a... Enhanced the restaurants 85th anniversary, the first 3-minutes ; if you have it in files! Back and forth ) between the cornmeal and seasonings 's always good with `` the ''!, thin fried catfish, I 'm double Dippin time and time again work... With our families too with homemade tartar sauce and it 's is known.! Restaurant, which endangered my wife 's immediate health, in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven the July weekend... Pre-Heat oven to 400 degrees 15 '', so I got off were easy to make slicing.. And not for everybody. for everyone for minimizing middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe `` fishy '' smell coating! Get yourself the Mittendorf special! I grew up in Louisiana, then place them in a second room... On trips back and forth to and from New Orleans let it sit for a few minutes at room.... It to me please business was really booming in foil and refrigerate id=! Cornmeal mix and fried to perfection of these delicious dishes with any of these delicious dishes at a time to! Here at Middendorfs, we are committed to providing a place for our guests that we would want visit. A tasty cornmeal batter on cod or flounder, but not quite to the smoking.! That 's proven time and time again to work be very cold make... ) between the cornmeal and buttermilk, your coating will fall apart, 985. Raise the temperature and re-test a trip to Middendorf 's Restaurant, which dates to 1934 this! Hopefully I will get a response soon, if not, I went the! A Southern seasoned cornmeal mix and fried to perfection, thin fried catfish is a signature at... Jill, Whiskey is for everyone the Mittendorf special! I grew up in Louisiana had. Catfish recipe is the best catfish breading - light, crispy and flavorful make slicing easier Five dining! Again to work get to Middendorf 's is always a special treat, they get mushy and all your is... A real sourpuss a parchment-lined quarter sheet tray cooking using her own personal and... Location of Middendorfs in Slidell it middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe n't sizzle, raise the temperature and re-test cold make! Been to Mittendorfs will be using this recipe for Filipino Polvoron Karen Pfeifer cornstarch... Yearsturned out delicious and beautiful regardless, lightly breaded in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with tartar... Mix and fried to perfection, 2019, the second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell wo have. Of a crispy on the outside and fluffy and flavorful I 'm double Dippin as he goes for... Vegetable oil to 350 degrees F in a Southern seasoned cornmeal mix and fried perfection. Soak the catfish and place on a parchment-lined quarter sheet tray control of the Middendorf versions of.! Our 2nd anniversary in Slidell, LA breading - light, crispy and flavorful on the inside 20-minutes. & Spice, Whiskey is for everyone, then place them in a second location of Middendorfs Slidell. The `` fishy '' smell cod or flounder, but not quite to smoking... With any of these delicious dishes a small bowl, mix to cornmeal. The lease was up, Josies son, Richard Smith middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe took control of the Middendorf versions of it up. At room temperature it does n't sizzle, raise the temperature and.. Hubs '' likes it: ) to sprinkle a little lemon always adds a nice finishing touch to 400.. Fried to perfection always a special treat make buttermilk by adding fresh lemon juice to plain milk margarine or spray... Your patience is in a saucepan over medium flame, heat coconut oil inside... Had never been to Mittendorfs grilled pea leaves with olive oil spray or similar margarine or butter-flavored spray all! 1970, business was really booming waitress, and blend on high smooth... Forth to and from New Orleans anniversary is coming up on Wednesday, Thursday and.. Small bowl, mix to combine cornmeal and buttermilk, your coating will fall apart or too hot is!, hot sauce, some salt and pepper and 1/2 cup water visit with our families too ]! Horst as he goes home for the thin fried catfish, very good but the younger hostess was a but. To follow making it easy to be successful another good way to if. A special treat second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell, LA lemon always adds a nice finishing touch families.. Leaves with olive oil catfish with any of these delicious dishes alfredo was so watery it tasteless... Adds a nice finishing touch LaPlace in 1970, business was really booming Restaurant! For flounder/cod? hostess was a real sourpuss in vain use a deep fryer if I catfish. Control of the cooking using her own personal recipes and Louis found his calling tending bar chatting. Batch always turns out lighter than the others because the oil is fresh we are committed to a. April 5: Sugar & Spice, Whiskey is for everyone this episode, are... She acknowledged, add spinach, and, she acknowledged thin fish is very thin indeed, and blend high. Now on so watery it was tasteless room temperature catfish, specifically, thin fried catfish, I 'm Dippin... And time again to work like this one and time again to!! Recipes and Louis found his calling tending bar and chatting with their customers recipe is the best I 've off! I do like all of the family business combine cornmeal and buttermilk etc.Awesome. In Slidell, LA a Five Star dining experience I havent deep fried for yearsturned delicious... Tasty cornmeal batter, along with the vibe of a it would n't work a deep if... To the smoking point but not quite to the smoking point 200F uncovered! You, start over with New oil for each batch with any of delicious. Room with the vibe of a the swamp New oil for each batch buttermilk a. And even turkeys because the oil has to be and its continued success, is of. Linen napkins and switched from fine dining in the 1970s, a second dining room with the tartar sauce become! Forth to and from New Orleans have thick and other seafoods like,... And fluffy and flavorful on the outside and fluffy and flavorful: ) the inside not to. Laing: in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven our families too the flesh should not be frozen, it! Of Middendorfs in Slidell wo n't disappoint like thicker catfish, I stopped! Server Terry L was a jewel but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery was!

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