Pan-Fried Catfish with Creamy Southern Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender catfish filets pan-fried to a golden crisp, served alongside a tangy, creamy slaw inspired by Memphis soul food traditions. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) catfish filets, cornmeal, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Order on Instacart →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pour 1 cup buttermilk into another bowl.
  2. Step 2: Dip each of the 4 catfish filets into the buttermilk, then dredge thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing the coating to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 350°F.
  4. Step 4: Carefully place the coated catfish into the hot oil and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, flipping gently to avoid breaking.
  5. Step 5: While the catfish cooks, combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 grated medium carrot, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp celery seed, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a large bowl. Toss until well mixed and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Drain the fried catfish on paper towels and serve hot with a generous scoop of the creamy southern slaw on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Catfish with Creamy Southern Slaw 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 Pan-Fried Catfish with Creamy Southern Slaw?

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 filets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Catfish with Creamy Southern Slaw?

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 Pan-Fried Catfish with Creamy Southern Slaw 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 Pan-Fried Catfish with Creamy Southern Slaw?

Southern 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.

Related recipes

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →