Omaha-Style Crispy Fried Catfish with Cajun Remoulade

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

Golden fried catfish with a crispy cornmeal crust served alongside a tangy Cajun remoulade for a Southern-inspired Omaha favorite. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs (6 oz each) catfish fillets, buttermilk, cornmeal for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pour 1 cup buttermilk into a shallow dish and submerge 4 catfish fillets completely. Let marinate for 20 minutes in the fridge.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F, suitable for frying.
  4. Step 4: Remove each catfish fillet from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Fry the coated fillets in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
  6. Step 6: For the Cajun remoulade, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 1 tbsp chopped parsley until smooth.
  7. Step 7: Serve the crispy fried catfish hot with a side of Cajun remoulade for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Omaha-Style Crispy Fried Catfish with Cajun Remoulade take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 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 Omaha-Style Crispy Fried Catfish with Cajun 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 (6 oz each) catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Omaha-Style Crispy Fried Catfish with Cajun 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 Omaha-Style Crispy Fried Catfish with Cajun 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 Omaha-Style Crispy Fried Catfish with Cajun Remoulade?

American seafood 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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