Crispy Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade Sauce

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

Golden fried catfish fillets with a crunchy cornmeal crust, served alongside a tangy and spicy remoulade sauce for dipping. This southern american-inspired mardi gras ready in about 30 minutes blends about 6 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 450 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Pour 1 cup buttermilk into another bowl. Dip each of the 4 catfish fillets into the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned cornmeal mixture.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F.
  4. Step 4: Carefully place the coated catfish fillets in the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove fillets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp chopped capers, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl until smooth.
  7. Step 7: Serve the crispy fried catfish hot, accompanied by the spicy remoulade sauce for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Crispy Fried Catfish with Spicy 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 Crispy Fried Catfish with Spicy 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 Crispy Fried Catfish with Spicy 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 Crispy Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade Sauce?

Southern American mardi gras 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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