Crispy Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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 pairs about 6 oz each 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) 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.

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). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade Sauce?

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 cornmeal from drying out.

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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