A good fish sandwich doesn’t need much explaining. If it’s hot, crisp, and piled into a soft roll with the right toppings, it usually does the job. If you’ve been wanting an easy catfish po’ boy recipe, this is a good one to make at home. The fish gets a crisp coating, the remoulade gives it some flavor without taking over, and the lettuce and tomato keep it from feeling too heavy.
Catfish is also a solid source of protein and brings in nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium, so even though this definitely leans toward comfort food, it still has something to it.
Ray Collins, who contributed this recipe, said it’s one he likes making when the family is over and he wants something hot, filling, and easy to put on the table. It’s the kind of dinner that doesn’t usually leave leftovers.
The recipe
What you’ll need
- 4 catfish fillets (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 package fish fry or seasoned seafood breading
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 sandwich rolls
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup remoulade
- Pickle slices (optional)
Servings: 4
How to make it
Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish and the breading into a second dish.
Dip each catfish fillet into the buttermilk, let the extra drip off, then press it into the breading until well coated.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook the fillets in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
While the fish cooks, slice the rolls and get the lettuce, tomato, remoulade, and pickles ready.
To build the sandwiches, spread remoulade on the rolls, then add lettuce, tomato, and a catfish fillet. Add pickles if using, then serve while the fish is still hot and crisp.
What Makes Caprese So Irresistible?
Caprese salad comes from the island of Capri in Italy, and it’s meant to celebrate simple, high-quality ingredients. The classic trio of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil is designed to reflect the Italian flag, but it also creates a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and herbal flavors.
- Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture and flavor. The kind packed in water or brine is ideal—soft, mild, and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Tomatoes: Choose large, firm tomatoes—like heirloom or vine-ripened varieties—that closely match the size of your mozzarella slices for easy stacking. Their juiciness and rich flavor are essential to the dish. Avoid cherry or grape tomatoes for this version, as they’re too small for proper layering.
- Basil: Always fresh. Its aroma alone is enough to make the whole dish come alive.
- Olive oil (a must) and balsamic (optional): A light drizzle ties everything together.
This is the kind of dish that feels light and refreshing in the summer, but equally comforting and savory in colder months, making it a staple all year long. When guests are coming or when you just want something fresh and satisfying without turning on the stove, this no-fuss Caprese salad stack delivers every time.
A few things that help
The main thing here is not crowding the pan. If the fillets are too close together, they won’t crisp up as well and the breading can get soggy instead of golden.
It also helps to let the breaded fish sit for a few minutes before frying. That gives the coating a better chance to stick.
And if you want to toast the rolls lightly before building the sandwiches, it makes the whole thing hold together a little better once the remoulade goes on.
If you’re ever unsure about cooking fish safely at home, the FDA’s seafood safety guide is a helpful one to keep bookmarked.
What goes well on the side
You don’t need much to round this out. Here are a few good options:
- oven fries
- coleslaw
- sliced watermelon
- corn on the cob
- potato salad
This crunchy, warm, and easy-to-make catfish sandwich will be one that friends and family will remember and ask for often.
For more seafood recipe ideas, visit our Seafood Recipes section.
Ray Collins is a retired utility supervisor based in Mobile, Alabama, who contributed this recipe. He loves his wife of 47 years, has four beautiful grandchildren, and spends a lot of his free time fishing, fixing things around the house, and finding excuses to play poker.
