Charred Cajun-Spiced Catfish Po’Boys
Tender catfish fillets coated in a smoky Cajun spice blend, grilled to perfection, then served on a crisp baguette with tangy remoulade and crunchy slaw for a New Orleans-inspired sandwich. This southern american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 27 minutes pairs catfish fillets, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb catfish fillets
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp celery seed
- 1, about 12 inches french baguette
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and pat dry 1 lb catfish fillets. Rub both sides evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill catfish for 4-5 minutes per side until the edges are charred and fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp celery seed in a small bowl to create the remoulade sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 julienned carrot, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss until the slaw is evenly coated and slightly wilted.
- Step 5: Slice the 12-inch French baguette lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Spread 3 tbsp remoulade sauce on each side of the bread.
- Step 6: Layer the grilled catfish fillets inside the baguette and top with the prepared slaw. Close the sandwich and press lightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Cajun-Spiced Catfish Po’Boys take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Charred Cajun-Spiced Catfish Po’Boys?
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 catfish fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Cajun-Spiced Catfish Po’Boys?
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 Charred Cajun-Spiced Catfish Po’Boys 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 Charred Cajun-Spiced Catfish Po’Boys?
Southern American sandwiches & wraps 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.
