Spiced Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish with Carolina Slaw
Crisp-fried catfish filets coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust, served with a tangy cabbage slaw reflecting Southern flavors. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs catfish fillets, yellow 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 5 oz each catfish fillets
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- for frying, about 2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Pour 1 cup buttermilk into another bowl. Dip each of the 4 catfish fillets (5 oz each) into buttermilk, then dredge thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F.
- Step 4: Fry the coated catfish fillets in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, and 1 grated medium carrot in a large bowl.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 7: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated; let sit 10 minutes before serving alongside the catfish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish with Carolina 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 Spiced Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish with Carolina Slaw?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish with Carolina 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 Spiced Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish with Carolina 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 Spiced Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish with Carolina Slaw?
Southern 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.
