Po’Boy Sandwich with Fried Catfish and Spicy Remoulade

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

A classic New Orleans po’boy filled with crispy fried catfish and topped with a zesty, creamy remoulade sauce for a satisfying sandwich experience. This southern-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 45 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 600 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 Southern cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup buttermilk and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Place 1 lb catfish fillets in the mixture and soak for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Combine 1 cup cornmeal and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a separate shallow dish.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove catfish from buttermilk, dredge each fillet thoroughly in the cornmeal-flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  5. Step 5: Fry catfish fillets in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy; drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: For the remoulade, whisk 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp prepared horseradish, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth.
  7. Step 7: Slice the French baguette lengthwise and toast lightly. Spread remoulade evenly on both sides.
  8. Step 8: Layer 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomato from 1 medium tomato, and fried catfish fillets inside the baguette. Close sandwich and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Po’Boy Sandwich with Fried Catfish and Spicy 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 Po’Boy Sandwich with Fried Catfish and Spicy 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 Po’Boy Sandwich with Fried Catfish and Spicy 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 Po’Boy Sandwich with Fried Catfish and Spicy 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 Po’Boy Sandwich with Fried Catfish and Spicy Remoulade?

Southern 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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