For more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, for New Orleans. Cant beat tried and true recipe like this one. 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. Let it sit for a few minutes and you have buttermilk! Hubby says Its better than our go-to catfish spot. Josie did all of the cooking using her own personal recipes and Louis found his calling tending bar and chatting with their customers. Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. When ready to cook the catfish, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Compliments to the chef!!! ADVOCATE PHOTO BY J.T. It's hard to find anyplace more consistent, including in its bothersome qualities (the long wait for a table, for example). 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. You have permission to edit this article. After the heat has been reduced, put the skillet back on the burner. I'm looking for a recipe for Middendorf's Fried Catfish. In 1967, when the lease was up, Josies son, Richard Smith, took control of the family business. Choose from E-Gift Cards or Traditional/Physical Gift Cards. Bode's Catfish Corner. Thank you. Eventually, there will be a pond out there too. Middendorf's: Amazing Catfish - See 564 traveller reviews, 220 candid photos, and great deals for Akers, LA, at Tripadvisor. Note, this catfish batter recipe contains no egg and no flour - just cornmeal and seasonings! In a separate bowl, mix to combine cornmeal and cornstarch. If this really bugs you, throw out the first batch of oil and start over. Ordered two large thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit. We would be honored for you to be part of our history, part of the Middendorfs family. Read More. Place a generous spoonful of Laing on the bottom of a serving dish. A little lemon always adds a nice finishing touch! I'm a lucky guy. Fry, turning as needed, until crisp and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining catfish. 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. For the Catfish:Toss catfish with salt and sugar. Three minutes allows the bottom side of the fillet to cook and become firm. Crispy and flavorful - this recipe has a great flavor and the cornmeal coating turns out crunchy and delicious! If it doesn't sizzle, raise the temperature and re-test. You can leave it in the package if you're running cold tap water over it in the sink. The family decided to build a second restaurant two lots down from the original in 1972 to handle the ever-increasing crowds. Soak catfish in the brine for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Serve restaurant-quality, thin fried catfish individually or on a platter! If you're looking for something a little heartier, make a fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish Po' Boy! You'll love this 3-step recipe and it's ready in less than 20-minutes! Now! Louis. Been going Y-u-m. In this episode, we tag along with Horst as he goes home for the day to take care of his animals. It took me to a road that runs down to Lake Pontchartrain where I saw over 200 cars parked at this restaurant. If the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down and remove the skillet from the burner for a few minutes. I travel from TX to eat here Thin fried catfish is the best in the country! Combine cornmeal and corn flour in a large bowl. Were in the Age of Food Talent. Both types can be used at Middendorf's Manchac and Middendorf's Slidell. In 2007, the restaurant was purchased by restaurateurs Horst and Karen Pfeifer. The area has a small pond and lots of room for our feathered friends to run. Fry the catfish fillets in batches, usually one or two fillets at a time. Used a thermometer to get exact temperature. Did the same with chicken but with seasoned flour., Hey Lynda! Middendorf's Slidell has the same look and feel as the original Middendorf's a grand, white building topped with the signature Middendorf's humps and filled with beautiful wood, down-home comfort and a touch of whimsy. Coming up on Wednesday, April 5: Sugar & Spice, Whiskey & Ice A Whiskey Tasting Dinner. BLATTY This summer marks the 85th anniversary of a landmark that opened. Very very delicious!!! Barbequed Oysters on Half Shell. 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. Yes, the old "brown bag" method works just as well! And go get yourself the Mittendorf Special!I grew up in Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs. Wrap in foil and store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Add chile, hot sauce, and coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes. these links. I'm glad you liked the fried catfish recipe! To Assemble and Serve: In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. Once the bottom is a light golden brown, flip the fillet. 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 . 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. This was crisp and delish. Serve the catfish with the Spillway Sauce on the side. After flipping the fillet, let it cook for another 3 minutes again, DON'T TOUCH IT. Different owners these days, but the food is as good as always. In 2007, the restaurant was purchased from the family by Horst and Karen Pfeifer. Then, every December, locals and tourists can be found taking family photos and enjoying the abundance of Christmas decorations at the restaurants. Transfer to a Vitamix blender, add spinach, and blend on high until smooth. Thank you very much! If the fish is wrapped in a sealed plastic package, remove it from the package before thawing in the fridge. In a second pie plate, beat together the eggs, hot sauce, some salt and pepper and 1/2 cup water. Catfish fillets, buttermilk, cornmeal, frying oil, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. you. I'd skip the appetizer, not worth it. They also should be famous for their fantastic desserts here and you definitely don't want to miss those! 2023 Warner Bros. 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 . Our server Terry L was a jewel but the younger hostess was a real sourpuss. Hopefully I will get a response soon, if not, I'm double Dippin! Highly recommended! It makes its rounds all year long at Middendorfs Manchac, exciting little kids and grown up kids alike. It turns out crispy and flavorful everytime! Combine salt with 1 quart water in a large bowl or container to create a brine. It's my go to every time. Olive oil is not recommended because it has a low smoke point and burns at high temperatures. Catfish fried in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce. I'm a lucky guy. Wowza! You will enjoy it if you like a lot of fried breading with your fish. Learn how your comment data is processed. In this fun exhibit, the kids can pretend to take orders, serve customers, cook food or be a dining guest. 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). Try something different. Great recipe. Middendorf's has always given us a Five Star dining experience. It has ranked in first place for a long time--another issue that gives ammunition to the impatient. Your email address will not be published. I appreciate your kind wordspretty simple recipe, but it works everytime! I had the large. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. In September, its Fettuccine Frenzy every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. They have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for their thin fried catfish. It's always good with "the hubs" likes it:). No more drive through fried catfish for me! Southern Fried Catfish is easy to make and this restaurant-quality recipe won't disappoint! Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. If it sizzles, it's hot enough. The sign said "Food Exit 15", so I got off. Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. In a large frying pan, heat oil to 350F. No need to look any further. It is mild-flavored and benefits greatly from a dip in the horseradish hot sauce provided." 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. Catfish are bottom-feeders, meaning they swim on the bottom of the lake or reservoir floor. Great recipe! Why do I need to soak the catfish in buttermilk? Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill and firm up. Unwrap the catfish and place on a parchment-lined quarter sheet tray. Appropriate to its history in colonial times, Middendorf's marks the farthest outpost of NOMenu's restaurant-rating purview. [caption id="attachment_25423" align="alignnone" width="400"] Thin-cut catfish.[/caption]. Using a cast-iron, or heavy bottom skillet, pour oil into skillet and heat to medium; While oil is heating, take a fillet directly from the buttermilk and place it in the cornmeal; pat the cornmeal on the fillet; coat it all over, twice; repeat with remaining fillets, Check your skillet; the oil needs to be around 312 - 350F; you can sprinkle a few pieces of cornmeal in the oil to see if it sizzles; if it does sizzle, the oil is ready, Cooking in batches of two fillets, place them in the hot oil; DO NOT MOVE THE FILLETS until they've cooked for 2 - 3 minutes on one side, After 2 -3 minutes, use tongs and flip the fish over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, Use a thermometer to measure internal temperature; it should be 145F, Remove fillets from oil and place on a paper towel, Repeat until all fillets are cooked and drained, Plate fillets and serve with lemon and tartar sauce, In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; refrigerate until ready to serve, Use a heavy-duty skillet (cast-iron) or Dutch oven, The amount of oil depends upon the size of your skillet; you want about 2" inches of oil. Thank you for sharing! Once the fillet is placed in the pan DON'T TOUCH IT for at least 3 minutes. "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. Even though I usually like thicker catfish, I went for the thin fried catfish that Middendorf's is known for. The restaurant opens a new l. 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. They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. And, who could forget the Middendorfs Express G model train. The couple also ran the post office in Manchac. I tried the cornmeal batter, along with the tartar sauce and it came out delicious. "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 Even worked here when I was in high school. Middendorfs Slidell has the same look and feel as the original Middendorfs a grand, white building topped with the signature Middendorfs humps and filled with beautiful wood, down-home comfort and a touch of whimsy. Great recipe! Oktoberfest runs every Wednesday and Thursday for 6 weeks. My favorites are the thin fried catfish and the crawfish cakes. Understand, I've been reading about this place for years and years, well before the current owners took the reins, so there is cause for concern about building a pyramid up in one's mind. Like to know if this would work for flounder/cod ?. Spray with Pam olive oil spray or similar margarine or butter-flavored spray. 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. 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. A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! To Assemble and Serve:In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. Thank you for your comments about the fried catfish! If you can't get to Middendorf's in Louisiana, then this thin fried catfish recipe is the next best thing! 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 asked that, the non-gluten A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! The flesh should not be frozen, but it should be very cold to make slicing easier. There is no place we've visited with anything like the thin fried catfish served. The Best Non-Toxic Cookware, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, We Tried Hungryroot: Grocery Store and Meal Delivery All-in-One. Keep each filet chilled until you are ready. Been going here for almost 50 years. Soaking fish in buttermilk is a method for minimizing the "fishy" smell. Keep an eye on the oil. Remove the fish from the freezer and use a boning knife to very carefully cut each fillet into thin pieces. 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 . 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. 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. Thank you! 1 photo. You'll be glad you checked this place out. ), The first batch always turns out lighter than the others because the oil is fresh. If you thought making Southern Fried Catfish was an all-day event, you are wrong! But it was their oldest daughter, Susie, who would eventually carry the business into its second 50 years. 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. 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. 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. Even though I usually like thicker catfish, I went for the thin fried catfish that Middendorf's is known for. Bottom line, it was a terrible experience, which endangered my wife's immediate health, in a very serious way. 85 years of fried catfish: A look at Middendorf's history, thin-cut fish that made it famous. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to 1 cup of plain milk. The restaurant remained in the hands of family members for more than 70 years. Stir it and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. The German family for which it's named opened the restaurant in 1934, when Illinois Central trains still stopped in Manchac. Stop. It became immediately popular with guests of all ages. Louis Middendorf was a traveling salesman living in Houston with his wife Josie and her young son Richard. Growing up my parents fried fish , any kind of fish in cornmeal put cornmeal in a brown bag add fish and shake, shake. Another good way to determine if it's is hot enough (or too hot) is to sprinkle a little cornmeal in it. For cod, I usually use a pub-style batter! I will be using this recipe for the catfish from now on. Grill pea leaves until charred and tender. According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. Serve fried catfish with any of these delicious dishes! The family operated and expanded the place as its fame grew. Weve stood up to city hall with you, cheered the Saints with you, The paper-thin fettuccine is handmade by Chef Horst Pfeifer, and its the same fettuccine that was served at Bella Luna. The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. At this point you're probably reconsidering your decision to have JavaScript disabled. Y-u-m. Hangin' with Horst -- Episode 2: Pfeifer Farm Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated. 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. A Rich, Buttery, Fruit-Filled Recipe for Filipino Polvoron. After I-10 opened from Metairie to LaPlace in 1970, business was really booming. Sometimes simple is best, right? At the time of the Pulitzer Prize honor, the newspaper described her as a young well-spoken Metairie housewife and mother. Flew into MSY today for a family event and stopped at Mittendorfs on the way home. We will not repeat. Worth the drive! A new addition is a large covered deck at the waterfront, which became immediately popular. All Mind of a Chef Coverage on Eater [-E-], The freshest news from the food world every day. Your email address will not be published. First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Thank you! Thin fried catfish is the name of the game. If you "double dip" it (back and forth) between the cornmeal and buttermilk, your coating will be thicker. In a large frying pan, heat oil to 350F. Shallow-fry catfish pieces for 2 minutes on each side. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Middendorf's is the Mecca of fried Catfish, specifically, thin fried catfish. 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Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. You have permission to edit this article. There was a problem saving your notification. In Oktober, our Oktoberfest celebration kicks off with authentic German dishes, also prepared by Chef Horst Pfeifer who grew up in Germany. calendar.gambitweekly.com. Hope it works. Complete your catfish dinner with some of these favorite Southern side dishes! Bring some vegetable oil to 350 degrees F in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven. I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. 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. You can make buttermilk by adding fresh lemon juice to plain milk. 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. Alternatively, you may use. There's nothing fancy or gourmet about my recipes-just easy, simple, delicious and memorable! The long drive is an unacceptable complication for a fair number of enthusiasm-challenged people, who will tell you that it's overrated. Order fried catfish salad, po-boys or plates. 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. these links. In 2016, they completed Operation: High & Dry by raising the original side of the building. If you can't get to Middendorf's in Louisiana, then this thin fried catfish recipe is the next best thing!