Farm-raised catfish dredged in yellow cornmeal and deep-fried, a Southern Oklahoma tradition served with hushpuppies and coleslaw at Oklahoma City's diners.

Catfish frying is central to southern and eastern Oklahoma's food culture, where the Red River and Canadian River tributaries have supported catfish for centuries. By the late 19th century, fried catfish was a Friday tradition across Oklahoma, spreading beyond Catholic fasting origins. Oklahoma's technique uses yellow cornmeal rather than white, deep-fried in cast-iron. Catfish farms in southeastern Oklahoma, developed in the mid-20th century, ensured year-round supply. In OKC, fried catfish appears at Southern diners and church fish fries alongside hushpuppies and coleslaw.

2 editor picks for Southern fried catfish in Oklahoma City, ranked by editorial score. All Oklahoma City signature dishes · Southern fried catfish across every city.

Also in: Birmingham, Jackson, Nashville.

Learn to cook it, or eat it with a guide

Southern fried catfish makes more sense with someone from Oklahoma City explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.

Book food experiences in Oklahoma City

Streetcar Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Guided tour3 hours4.5 from 6 reviewsfrom $69

Our highly rated signature tour! Your guide brings to life OKC sights through Bricktown, Downtown, and the OKC Bombing Memorial districts. Plan to walk 2.7 miles betwe...

Cowboy for a Night

Guided tour5.5 hours5.0 from 1 reviewsfrom $255

An Unforgettable Western Adventure including: Live Bull Riding! Line Dancing Lessons! The National Cowboy Museum! A Juicy Steak Dinner! **Must be 21+ with a photo ID

See all 8 bookable experiences in Oklahoma City