Baltimore Crispy Battered Fish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Lightly battered blackened catfish with a zesty remoulade, paying homage to Baltimore's seafood heritage. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs catfish fillets, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.6 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow bowl, whisk buttermilk with 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and remaining 1 tsp Old Bay.
  2. Step 2: Dredge fish in flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into buttermilk. Repeat coating to ensure a thick crust. Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and swirl to coat. Fry fish in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy, about 6-8 minutes total. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. Step 4: For remoulade: Zest 1 lemon and juice 1/2. Mix with mayonnaise, 1 tbsp chopped capers, 1 tbsp chopped dill, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard. Serve alongside fish with lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baltimore Crispy Battered Fish take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baltimore Crispy Battered Fish?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baltimore Crispy Battered Fish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baltimore Crispy Battered Fish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baltimore Crispy Battered Fish?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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