Southern Fried Turtle with Spicy Remoulade

This Southern Fried Turtle recipe marries traditional cooking techniques with a creative twist. The turtle meat is tender and flavorful, seasoned with classic Southern spices and fried to golden perfection. Paired with a zesty remoulade, this dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Southern cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 1 turtle, cleaned and cut into pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon horseradish
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the turtle pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the turtle pieces from the buttermilk and let excess liquid drain off.
4. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
5. In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry the turtle pieces in batches for about 6-8 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
8. For the remoulade, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
9. Serve the fried turtle hot with a side of spicy remoulade for dipping.