Buttermilk-Brined Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade

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

Crisp fried catfish fillets soaked in a tangy buttermilk brine and served with a zesty homemade remoulade sauce. This southern united states-inspired seafood ready in about 85 minutes pairs (6 oz each) catfish fillets, buttermilk, hot sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern United States cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups buttermilk with 1 tbsp hot sauce. Submerge 4 catfish fillets in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour to brine.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove catfish fillets from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour-cornmeal mixture.
  5. Step 5: Fry the fillets in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp hot sauce to create the spicy remoulade.
  7. Step 7: Serve the fried catfish hot with a side of spicy remoulade for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Brined Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (70 min prep + 15 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 Buttermilk-Brined Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Brined Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade?

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 Buttermilk-Brined Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade 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 Buttermilk-Brined Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade?

Southern United States 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.

Related recipes