If you love seafood and want to try something new, catfish recipes are a great choice. Catfish is tasty, easy to cook, and can be prepared in many ways—fried, grilled, baked, or in a stew.
However, some people struggle with removing its strong smell or making it crispy and flavorful.
The good news is that with the right ingredients and cooking methods, you can make delicious catfish dishes every time.
1. Southern Fried Catfish Soul Food
This is comfort food at its finest. The crispy golden crust and tender fish inside make it irresistible. Mix cornmeal, flour, and spices to create the perfect coating.
Fry the catfish in hot oil until it’s crispy and golden brown.
Serve it with coleslaw and hush puppies for the ultimate Southern meal. A squeeze of lemon takes it to the next level.
2. Blackened Catfish Recipe
This recipe brings bold, smoky flavors to the table. The spice rub creates a beautiful blackened crust.
Coat the catfish with a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme. Cook it in a hot cast-iron skillet until perfectly charred.
Pair it with rice and sautéed greens for a restaurant-quality meal. It’s spicy, savory, and simply delicious.
2. Grilled Lemon Herb Catfish
For a healthy alternative, grilling catfish brings out its natural flavors. A simple lemon and herb marinade adds brightness to the dish.
Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like parsley and thyme. Coat the fillets and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Grill over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side until the fish flakes easily. Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
4. Catfish Po’ Boy Sandwich
This Louisiana-inspired sandwich is perfect for a filling and flavorful meal. Crispy catfish is served on a French roll with fresh toppings and a zesty sauce.
Season and fry catfish fillets until golden brown. Spread remoulade sauce on a toasted baguette, then layer with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Add the fried catfish and serve with fries or chips. This sandwich is a must-try for seafood lovers.
5. Baked Parmesan Crusted Catfish
For a healthier baked option, a crispy parmesan crust adds a delicious crunch to tender catfish fillets.
Mix grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning. Brush the catfish with butter or mayonnaise and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Serve with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal.
6. Catfish Tacos with Slaw
Fish tacos are a light and refreshing way to enjoy catfish. A crunchy slaw and tangy sauce complement the crispy fish perfectly.
Season and fry or grill the catfish, then cut into strips. Prepare a slaw using cabbage, carrots, lime juice, and a touch of honey.
Warm corn tortillas and assemble the tacos with catfish, slaw, and a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
7. Catfish Gumbo
This hearty Louisiana stew is packed with bold flavors and spices. Catfish adds a delicate seafood taste to the rich broth.
Start by making a dark roux with flour and oil. Add bell peppers, onions, and celery, then stir in tomatoes, okra, and Cajun spices.
Simmer with broth and add catfish fillets toward the end. Serve with rice for a comforting Southern meal.
8. Catfish Curry
A flavorful Indian-inspired dish, catfish curry is rich and aromatic. The fish absorbs the spices beautifully.
Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add curry powder, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Let the sauce simmer to develop flavors.
Add catfish fillets and cook until tender. Serve with steamed rice or warm naan bread for a delicious meal.
9. Honey Garlic Glazed Catfish
This sweet and savory glaze brings out the best in catfish. A simple honey garlic sauce adds irresistible flavor.
Sauté garlic in butter, then stir in honey, soy sauce, and a splash of lemon juice. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Pan-sear the catfish until golden, then brush with the glaze. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
10. Catfish Stir-Fry
A quick and easy stir-fry is a great way to enjoy catfish with fresh vegetables. A light soy-based sauce ties everything together.
Cut the catfish into bite-sized pieces and sauté in a wok with garlic and ginger. Remove and set aside.
Stir-fry bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, then return the catfish to the pan. Toss with soy sauce and serve over rice or noodles.
11. Catfish and Grits
A Southern classic, catfish and grits make a comforting and satisfying dish. The creamy grits pair perfectly with crispy fish.
Cook grits with butter and cheese for extra creaminess. Meanwhile, fry seasoned catfish fillets until crispy.
Serve the fish over a bed of grits and drizzle with hot sauce or gravy. This dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
12. Catfish Ceviche
For a refreshing and zesty dish, catfish ceviche is light and flavorful. The citrus marinade “cooks” the fish naturally.
Dice the catfish into small cubes and marinate in lime and lemon juice for about an hour. Add diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
Serve chilled with tortilla chips or lettuce cups. This dish is perfect for hot summer days.
13. Catfish Fajitas
Sizzling catfish fajitas are packed with flavor and color. A simple spice rub enhances the fish.
Season the catfish with chili powder, cumin, and lime juice. Sear in a hot pan until golden brown.
Serve with sautéed onions and bell peppers in warm tortillas. Add salsa, sour cream, and avocado for extra flavor.
14. Spicy Catfish Soup
A warm and spicy soup, this dish is comforting and full of bold flavors.
Sauté garlic, onions, and chili peppers in a pot. Add broth, tomatoes, and catfish fillets.
Simmer until the fish is cooked through, then add fresh herbs. Serve hot with crusty bread.
15. Smoked Catfish Dip
This creamy and smoky dip is perfect for parties or as a snack.
Smoke catfish fillets until tender, then flake into a bowl. Mix with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and hot sauce.
Serve chilled with crackers or toasted bread. The smoky flavor makes it irresistible.
16. Catfish Pasta Alfredo
A creamy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with flaky catfish in this indulgent pasta dish.
Cook pasta and prepare a rich Alfredo sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and parmesan.
Pan-sear catfish, then flake it into the sauce. Toss with pasta and serve with garlic bread.
17. Sweet and Sour Catfish
A delicious Asian-inspired dish, sweet and sour catfish is both tangy and savory.
Fry catfish pieces until crispy. In a pan, heat pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar.
Add bell peppers and onions, then toss in the catfish. Serve over rice for a flavorful meal.
18. Catfish Lettuce Wraps
A light and healthy meal, lettuce wraps are perfect for a fresh take on catfish.
Sauté catfish with garlic, soy sauce, and ginger. Flake into bite-sized pieces.
Spoon the fish into lettuce cups and top with chopped nuts and fresh herbs. Serve with a side of dipping sauce.
Final Thoughts
These recipes are simple, delicious, and full of flavor. You can fry, grill, bake, or blacken them for a tasty meal.
Fried catfish is crispy and classic, while blackened catfish adds bold spice. These recipes go well with coleslaw, hush puppies, or tartar sauce.
No matter how you cook it, catfish recipes make a great choice for any meal.