Fried catfish is delicious, but there are many other ways to enjoy this delicious white fish. From catfish po'boys to cornmeal-coated fillets and pretzel-crusted bites, these Southern-style catfish recipes showcase simple preparations with bold flavor.
18 Easy Catfish Recipes You’ll Want To Make on Repeat
Updated on Jul. 10, 2025
1/18
Grilled Catfish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The Cajun flavor is great in this skillet-grilled catfish recipe. You can use this recipe with any thick fish fillet, but I suggest catfish or haddock. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 222 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 366mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
2/18
Fried Catfish
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son told me he once had fried catfish with Cajun aioli, so I set out to re-create it for him. It was a huge hit with him and my husband. The aioli is also great as a dip for sweet potato fries. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3 tablespoons aioli: 754 calories, 56g fat (8g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 916mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
3/18
Cajun Catfish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This well-seasoned fish nets me compliments from family and friends whenever I serves it. The fish is moist and flakey, the coating crisp, crunchy and flecked with paprika. —Jim Gales, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 242 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 748mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
4/18
Baked Catfish
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spice up August, National Catfish Month, with these well-seasoned fillets. A healthy twist on batter-fried catfish, the baked entree cuts the calories and saves the flavor. —Kathy Giannone, West Henrietta, NY
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 234 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 781mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
5/18
Broiled Fish
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mother's secret in preparing this dish was to butter the fish before dusting it with flour. That seals in the moisture and makes the fish so succulent. —Ann Berg, Chesapeake, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 292 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 272mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
6/18
Catfish Po’Boy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tribute to a great Southern staple does fried catfish serious justice. A creative Cajun coleslaw tops perfectly fried fish for a sandwich you won’t be able to get enough of. —Ann Baker, Texarkana, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 879 calories, 57g fat (8g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 1283mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 37g protein.
7/18
Catfish and Hush Puppies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Catfish and hushpuppies are a match made in Mississippi. This Southern dish combines two delicious fried foods on one comforting plate. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 490 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 859mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
8/18
Pretzel-Crusted Catfish
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my books. This combination of flavors just works for me. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with butter and honey. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 610 calories, 31g fat (4g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1579mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
9/18
Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings (2 cups salsa)
From the Recipe Creator:
A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup salsa: 376 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/18
Southwestern Catfish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Catfish fillets are rubbed with a blend that includes chili powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne and paprika, then topped with homemade salsa. A green salad, garlic bread and baked sweet potatoes round out the meal nicely.
—Bruce Crittenden
Clinton, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 107 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 1825mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
11/18
Pan-Fried Catfish with Spicy Pecan Gremolata
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Gremolata, a citrusy minced herb mix, makes a flavorful garnish. This well-seasoned version, with pecans added, gives an unexpected nutty flavor to the catfish.— Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 2 tablespoons gremolata: 586 calories, 37g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
12/18
Lime Broiled Catfish
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To serve a reduced-calorie dish that is ready in about 15 minutes, I came up with this fast, simple recipe. I think the lime juice adds a different fresh flavor to the mild taste of the fish. —Nick Nicholson, Clarksdale, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 254 calories, 14g fat, 98mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate, 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
13/18
Cornmeal Catfish with Avocado Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings (3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was growing up in California, my mother made catfish quite often, and it was always a hit. Now I cook it with my own twist. When only frozen catfish fillets are available, I thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and they work just as well. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3 tablespoons sauce: 505 calories, 37g fat (6g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
14/18
Zesty Baked Catfish
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This catfish combines common pantry seasonings for a taste that's anything but basic. —Karen Conklin, Supply, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 259 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
15/18
Southern Pecan Catfish
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I coat the catfish in pecans, then top it with a thick, rich cream sauce. It looks like you spent all day on it, but it's actually very speedy to prepare. Garnish it with lemon wedges, parsley or more chopped pecans if you desire. —Mary Ann Griffin, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 633 calories, 59g fat (24g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 856mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
16/18
Secret Ingredient Fried Catfish
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pancake mix and carbonated water are the surprising secrets to these beautifully browned catfish fillets. Serve with coleslaw or sweet potato fries, and get ready for smiles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen. If you’re looking for more such recipes, try our favorite fried catfish.
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 475 calories, 34g fat (5g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
17/18
Cajun Pecan Catfish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of our favorite recipes. It's quick, easy and delicious. Just serve with a side salad, biscuits and mixed fruit for dessert. We like it a lot for Christmas Eve. —Jan Wilkins, Blytheville, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 377 calories, 28g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
18/18
Pretzel-Crusted Catfish Bites
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my book. This combination of flavors just works for me. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with honey! —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 637 calories, 34g fat (5g saturated fat), 160mg cholesterol, 1503mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
Catfish Recipes FAQ
Can I bake catfish instead of frying it?
Baked catfish is a simple and lighter alternative to fried catfish. Brush the fillets with oil and season them with a Cajun seasoning blend to help mimic the crispness and flavor of fried versions. For best results, bake at 400°F until the fish flakes easily with a fork. For extra texture, place the fillets on a wire rack or finish them under the broiler for a lightly crisped top.
What spices taste best with catfish?
Catfish plays well with bold, savory spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, thyme and garlic. A classic Creole seasoning mix highlights the fish’s natural richness, while lemon zest and dill create a fresher, herb-forward flavor. Earthy blends like Old Bay or a mix of chili powder and citrus are another approach often found in many Southern-style catfish recipes.
How do I make sure catfish doesn’t taste muddy?
To reduce any muddy flavor, soak catfish fillets in milk or buttermilk for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps neutralize earthy notes and keeps the fish tender. Choosing fresh, firm fillets and trimming off dark areas can also improve the flavor. Storing and cooking fish properly can also go a long way in preserving its clean, mild taste. Once cooked, serve catfish with citrus, herbs or vinegar-based slaws to balance any lingering muddiness.
