Crisped Po’Boy Sandwich with Fried Catfish and Remoulade

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

A traditional New Orleans po’boy sandwich layered with crispy fried catfish, shredded lettuce, tomato, and tangy remoulade sauce on a fresh French baguette. This cajun-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 35 minutes pairs catfish fillets, cornmeal, all-purpose flour 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Cajun cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pour 1 cup buttermilk into another dish.
  2. Step 2: Dip 1 lb catfish fillets into the buttermilk to coat, then dredge thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Fry the catfish fillets in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: Slice 1 French baguette loaf lengthwise without cutting all the way through, and toast lightly if desired.
  5. Step 5: Spread 1/2 cup remoulade sauce evenly on both sides of the baguette. Layer with 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce, 1 sliced medium tomato, and the fried catfish fillets.
  6. Step 6: Close the sandwich, cut into servings, and serve immediately. Note: For remoulade, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp chopped capers, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisped Po’Boy Sandwich with Fried Catfish and Remoulade take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Crisped Po’Boy Sandwich with Fried Catfish and 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 catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisped Po’Boy Sandwich with Fried Catfish and 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 Crisped Po’Boy Sandwich with Fried Catfish and 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 Crisped Po’Boy Sandwich with Fried Catfish and Remoulade?

Cajun 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.

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