Creole Po’Boy with Fried Catfish and Remoulade Sauce

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

A classic New Orleans sandwich featuring crispy fried catfish tucked into a French baguette with zesty remoulade sauce and crisp lettuce for a perfect balance of flavors. This creole-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 35 minutes blends fillets (5 oz each) Catfish fillets, Cornmeal, All-purpose flour into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Creole cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In another bowl, pour 1 cup buttermilk.
  2. Step 2: Dip each of the 4 catfish fillets into the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry the coated catfish fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: For remoulade sauce, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp chopped capers, 2 tbsp pickle relish, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp hot sauce until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Slice 4 French baguette rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Spread a generous layer of remoulade sauce inside each roll.
  6. Step 6: Layer 2 leaves of lettuce and 2-3 tomato slices in each roll, then place one fried catfish fillet inside. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creole Po’Boy with Fried Catfish and Remoulade Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Creole Po’Boy with Fried Catfish and Remoulade Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creole Po’Boy with Fried Catfish and Remoulade Sauce?

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 Creole Po’Boy with Fried Catfish and Remoulade Sauce 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 Creole Po’Boy with Fried Catfish and Remoulade Sauce?

Creole 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.