Catfish Po' Boy
Crispy, cornmeal-crusted catfish fillets piled high on toasted French bread with a zesty remoulade sauce, shredded lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. A true taste of New Orleans street food, ready in about 35 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Remoulade Sauce
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Creole mustard, ketchup, lemon juice, paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- c.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be made a day ahead.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Catfish
- b.Place the catfish strips in a shallow dish.
- c.Pour the buttermilk over the fish and add 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. Stir gently to coat.
- d.Let the catfish marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Set Up Breading and Frying Station
- b.In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- c.In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until a thermometer registers 350°F (175°C).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Catfish
- b.Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, remove a few catfish strips from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off.
- c.Dredge each strip thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to adhere, and shake off any excess.
- d.Carefully place the breaded catfish into the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C).
- e.Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried catfish to a wire rack to drain. Season immediately with a pinch of salt or Cajun seasoning if desired.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Toast the Bread and Assemble
- b.While the last batch of fish is frying, slice the Po' Boy rolls horizontally, leaving one side connected like a hinge.
- c.Brush the cut sides with melted butter and toast them on a griddle or in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden and crisp.
- d.To assemble, spread a generous layer of the chilled remoulade sauce on both sides of the toasted bread.
- e.Layer with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and dill pickles.
- f.Pile the hot, crispy catfish fillets on top, close the sandwich, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest crust, ensure your oil temperature is stable at 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pot when frying. This lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy, soggy fish. Fry in 2-3 batches.
- 3The bread is crucial. Use authentic New Orleans French bread if you can find it, or a high-quality, crusty baguette.
- 4Drain the fried catfish on a wire rack, not paper towels. This allows air to circulate and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
- 5Make the remoulade sauce ahead of time. The flavor improves significantly after resting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- 6Toast the bread just before serving to get the perfect contrast of warm, crisp bread with the cool toppings and hot fish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or oysters for a classic Shrimp or Oyster Po' Boy. Follow the same breading and frying procedure.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
For a lighter version, season the catfish with Cajun spices and grill or pan-sear it instead of deep-frying. You can also use a lighter, yogurt-based remoulade.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add finely minced jalapeños or extra hot sauce to the remoulade for a spicier kick. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a nice depth of flavor.
Air Fryer MethodAir Fryer Method
To make this in an air fryer, bread the fish as directed, spray generously with cooking oil, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Catfish is packed with high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Vitamin B12
This dish provides a significant amount of Vitamin B12 from the catfish, a crucial nutrient for nerve health, DNA synthesis, and the formation of red blood cells.
Contains Healthy Fats
Catfish is a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential fats play a vital role in supporting brain health and reducing inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A homemade Catfish Po' Boy is an indulgent meal. This recipe contains approximately 1300-1400 calories per sandwich, primarily from the fried fish, bread, and mayonnaise-based remoulade sauce.