Cornmeal Fried Catfish with Rémoulade Recipe

• 1/4 cup finely ground yellow cornmeal
• 1/4 cup cake flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 1 lb. catfish fillets, cut into 3- to 4-ounce strips
• Lemon wedges
• "Rémoulade":http://www.chow.com/recipes/10611
• sprinkle of garlic powder
• 1 tsp. celery salt
• 2 tsp. onion powder
• 1 c. milk
• 1/4 c. mustard (yellow & Dijon)

1. Combine cornmeal, flour, cayenne, paprika, sprinkle of garlic powder,celery salt, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish and whisk to thoroughly combine. Combine wet ingredients in separate bowl.
2. Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a 12-inch cast iron skillet to 350°F or 7 on stove dial. Line a plate with several layers of paper towels; set aside.
3. Use a paper towel to blot the fish pieces dry, season on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then dredge in wet ingredients and then cornmeal mixture, being sure to cover all sides. Tap fish pieces lightly to shake off excess.
4. Fry fish in batches, turning once, until deep golden brown and crisp on the outside with a flaky interior, about 6 minutes total.
5. Remove fish from the pan with a slotted spatula to the paper-towel-lined plate to drain. While the pieces are still hot, season them well with salt. Serve with lemon wedges and rémoulade.