Recipes

26 Catfish Recipes That Will Make Your Taste Buds Go Meow

26 Best Catfish Recipes

Welcome to our blog, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we are diving into the world of catfish and exploring some of the best recipes that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Catfish, known for its tender flesh and distinct flavor, is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a myriad of ways.

Whether you prefer it grilled, fried, or baked, we have got you covered with some mouthwatering ideas that will make your next catfish feast a memorable one. So, grab your aprons and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the deliciousness of catfish!

1. Baked Catfish

Baked Catfish

Baked Catfish is an easy and delicious recipe that offers a healthier alternative to deep-fried catfish. The fish is coated in a mixture of almond meal and spices, resulting in a crispy and flavorful outer layer. Baking the catfish in the oven allows for a hands-off cooking method, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

The white flesh of the catfish is tender and moist, with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. Serve it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Overall, Baked Catfish is a simple and tasty way to enjoy this Southern favorite.

2. Blackened Catfish with Pontchartrain Sauce

Blackened Catfish With Pontchartrain Sauce

The Blackened Catfish with Pontchartrain Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with tender catfish fillets. The catfish is perfectly seasoned and cooked to a golden brown, giving it a deliciously crispy exterior.

The Pontchartrain sauce, made with butter, garlic, vegetables, shrimp, and crab meat, adds a rich and savory element to the dish. The combination of the spicy and tangy flavors of the sauce with the delicate taste of the catfish creates a harmonious and mouthwatering experience. This recipe is a must-try for catfish lovers looking for a tasty and impressive dish.

3. Fried Catfish

Fried Catfish

This Fried Catfish recipe is a Southern classic that delivers crispy and flavorful results. The catfish fillets are lightly breaded in a seasoned cornmeal mix and fried to perfection. The coating is crunchy and delicious, making each bite satisfying.

The recipe is gluten-free and can be served with various sides like coleslaw or smothered okra. Overall, this restaurant-quality dish is quick and easy to make, perfect for a tasty homemade meal.

4. US Farm-Raised Catfish Piccata

Us Farm-Raised Catfish Piccata

US Farm-Raised Catfish Piccata is a delicious and versatile dish that showcases the zesty flavors of catfish. The catfish fillets are pan-fried to perfection, bringing out a whole new side of the fish.

The tangy sauce, made with garlic, white wine, lemon juice, zest, and capers, adds a refreshing touch to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a great way to think outside the box and enjoy the flavors of catfish in a new and exciting way.

5. Southern Fried Catfish

Southern Fried Catfish

Southern Fried Catfish is a classic Southern dish that brings the flavors of Cracker Barrel right into your home. This recipe uses buttermilk to marinate the catfish fillets, giving them a tender and flavorful base.

The fillets are then coated in a mixture of cornmeal, flour, and spices, creating a crispy and golden crust when fried. The result is a deliciously seasoned and perfectly cooked catfish that pairs well with tartar sauce, cole slaw, and hush puppies. A must-try for catfish lovers looking for an authentic Southern experience.

6. Catfish with Lemon Thyme Sauce

Catfish With Lemon Thyme Sauce

Catfish with Lemon Thyme Sauce is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines the mild, sweet flavor of catfish with the boldness of fresh lemon, thyme, and garlic in a creamy sauce. The recipe offers versatility, as the catfish can be pan-fried, baked, broiled, or grilled.

The sauce adds a tangy and aromatic touch to the dish, making it a standout option for seafood lovers. Whether served with a side salad, over pasta or rice, or even with spiralized zucchini noodles, this recipe is a winner.

7. BBQ Catfish

Bbq Catfish

BBQ Catfish is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that showcases the flavors of catfish. The catfish fillets are coated in oil and a BBQ dry rub, creating a light crust that adds a wonderful taste.

Grilled to perfection, the catfish is then basted with BBQ sauce for added flavor. This recipe is a great option for summer grilling and pairs well with slaw and other sides.

8. Air Fryer Catfish

Air Fryer Catfish

Air Fryer Catfish is an easy and delicious Southern-style fried catfish recipe. The catfish filets are soaked in milk with a few drops of hot sauce to add flavor. The breading, made with cornmeal and flour, gives the fish a crispy crust.

Cooking the catfish in the air fryer results in a golden brown and tender fish. Overall, this recipe is a great option for those looking for a healthier and hassle-free way to enjoy fried catfish.

9. Mediterranean Catfish Fillets

Mediterranean Catfish Fillets

Mediterranean Catfish Fillets is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe. The seasoned catfish fillets are sautéed in olive oil and topped with black olives, tomatoes, and artichokes.

The combination of flavors creates a Mediterranean-inspired dish that is both flavorful and healthy. The addition of feta cheese adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a great option for a weeknight dinner.

10. Spicy Southern Fried Catfish

Spicy Southern Fried Catfish

Spicy Southern Fried Catfish is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that will satisfy any catfish lover. The catfish nuggets are coated in a mixture of self-rising flour, yellow cornmeal, and Cajun seasoning, giving them a crunchy and flavorful exterior.

The addition of hot sauce adds a spicy kick, but it can be substituted with water for those who prefer a milder flavor. The catfish is deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a tender and crispy dish. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite for its simplicity and mouthwatering taste.

11. Catfish

Catfish

Grilled catfish is a flavorful and versatile dish that showcases the unique characteristics of this fish. With its slimy, scaleless skin and oily meat, catfish is best suited for grilling, deep-frying, or in curries.

This recipe calls for marinating the catfish with dark and light soy sauce, sea salt, ground white pepper, and crushed garlic. The fish is then scored and grilled until the skin becomes crispy and shiny. Grilled catfish is a delicious option for those looking to enjoy the distinct flavors of this fish.

12. Cajun Catfish

Cajun Catfish

Cajun Catfish is a simple and flavorful recipe that captures the essence of Southern cuisine. The fish is flakey, delicious, and gets a nice crisp when broiled.

The spice mix, consisting of paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and oregano, adds a perfect kick to the dish. It's a crowd-pleaser and a great introduction to Southern cooking.

13. Crispy Southern Fried Catfish

Crispy Southern Fried Catfish

Crispy Southern Fried Catfish is a simple and delicious recipe that delivers a golden and super-crispy exterior, with a delicate, tender, and flaky inside. The catfish fillets are coated in a mixture of yellow cornmeal, seasoned salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then fried to perfection in a combination of vegetable oil and butter.

The result is a satisfying and classic Southern dish that pairs well with traditional sides like cornbread, collard greens, coleslaw, or biscuits. Whether you're hosting a fish fry or looking for a quick and tasty dinner option, this recipe is a winner.

14. New Orleans Fried Catfish

New Orleans Fried Catfish

New Orleans Fried Catfish is a Louisiana-style recipe that results in a flaky and flavorful fish with a crispy golden coating. The combination of cornmeal, flour, and creole seasoning gives the catfish a delicious texture and bold flavor.

The addition of buttermilk adds a tangy taste that enhances the overall experience. This recipe is a popular Southern tradition and is often served with coleslaw, hushpuppies, and french fries. Overall, New Orleans Fried Catfish is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a classic Southern fried fish dish.

15. Lemon Pepper Baked Catfish

Lemon Pepper Baked Catfish

The Lemon Pepper Baked Catfish recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy and flavorful catfish. With just 5 ingredients and 30 minutes of baking time, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

The cornmeal crust adds a nice crunch, while the lemon pepper seasoning gives the dish a zesty kick. Serve it with some chips or fries for a satisfying meal.

16. Blackened Catfish with Creole Sauce

Blackened Catfish With Creole Sauce

The Blackened Catfish with Creole Sauce recipe is a flavorful and delicious dish that brings new life to a classic favorite. The catfish fillets are seasoned with a homemade BBQ spice rub and cooked until browned and flaky. The savory tomato-based Creole sauce, made with diced bell peppers, celery, onions, and seasonings, adds a delicious kick to the dish.

This recipe can be easily customized by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra spice. It pairs well with seasoned white and wild rice and homemade cornbread. A definite improvement on a traditional catfish dinner.

17. Easy Cajun Catfish

Easy Cajun Catfish

Easy Cajun Catfish is a quick and flavorful recipe for pan-fried catfish fillets seasoned with Cajun spices. The catfish is moist, firm, and has a sweet taste, without any muddy flavor.

The recipe is simple, using basic ingredients like catfish fillets, Cajun seasoning, and olive oil/butter for cooking. It's a great way to enjoy this mild white fish, and it's sure to please your family with its crispy exterior and tender flesh.

18. Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Catfish

Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Catfish

The Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Catfish recipe is a healthier twist on the traditional cornmeal catfish. The catfish fillets are cooked in a cast iron skillet, resulting in a crispy exterior and a flaky interior.

The combination of lemon, thyme, and butter adds a burst of flavor to the dish. It's a simple and delicious way to enjoy catfish without the need for breading or frying.

19. Blackened Catfish

Blackened Catfish

Blackened Catfish is a flavorful and crispy dish that elevates any dinner or dinner party. The catfish filets are coated in a mixture of spices and herbs, creating a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the fish tender on the inside.

It's a simple recipe that impresses both with its taste and presentation. Perfect for catfish lovers looking to spice up their meal.

20. Fried Catfish Tacos

Fried Catfish Tacos

The Fried Catfish Tacos recipe features crispy U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish filets coated in a flavorful cornmeal and flour mixture. The catfish is fried to a golden brown perfection, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The tacos are then assembled with a tangy Cajun remoulade, shredded purple cabbage, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. These tacos are a delicious and hearty dinner option that showcases the fresh and slightly sweet flavor of U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish.

21. Pineapple Honey Bourbon Grilled Catfish

Pineapple Honey Bourbon Grilled Catfish

The Pineapple Honey Bourbon Grilled Catfish is a simple and flavorful summer recipe that brings a Southern twist to traditional catfish. The honey bourbon marinade, combined with crushed pineapple and a touch of spice, adds a delicious sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.

Grilling the catfish in foil packets ensures moist and tender fillets. This recipe is a healthier alternative to fried catfish and is perfect for both weekday meals and weekend entertaining. Overall, it's a must-try for catfish lovers looking for a delicious and easy grilled fish recipe.

22. Fried Catfish Nuggets

Fried Catfish Nuggets

Fried Catfish Nuggets are irresistible bite-sized fish fillets coated in a flavorful flour-cornmeal breading. They are crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside. These nuggets are easy to make, affordable, and perfect for snacking.

Swap the catfish with other white fish for variety. Serve with your favorite sauce for an extra kick. Overall, these nuggets are a delightful treat that will leave you wanting more.

23. Smoked Catfish

Smoked Catfish

Smoked Catfish is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors.

The catfish fillets are marinated in a mixture of olive oil, honey, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and sea salt, and then smoked to perfection. This healthy recipe is a great option for seafood lovers looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.

24. Crispy Catfish Stir Fry

Crispy Catfish Stir Fry

The Crispy Catfish Stir Fry recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional catfish dishes. With the addition of wild ginger and fresh peppercorns, this Thai-inspired recipe transforms catfish into a flavorful delicacy. The fish is coated in flour and deep-fried to achieve a satisfying crunch, then stir-fried with the aromatic ingredients.

The combination of light soy sauce and oyster sauce adds moisture without compromising the crispiness. This dish pairs perfectly with a cold beer and steamed white rice, making it a simple yet unforgettable treat.

25. Southern Blackened Catfish Tacos

Southern Blackened Catfish Tacos

The Southern Blackened Catfish Tacos recipe features seasoned catfish served on flour tortillas with shredded cabbage, pan-fried corn, and a flavorful Old Bay aioli. The catfish is tender and mild, while the fried corn adds a delicious crunch.

The Old Bay aioli adds a tangy and spicy kick to the tacos. Overall, these tacos offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a must-try for catfish lovers.

26. Lemon Pepper Catfish Fillets

Lemon Pepper Catfish Fillets

The Lemon Pepper Catfish Fillets recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that requires only two ingredients – lemon pepper seasoning and catfish fillets.

It takes just seven minutes to prepare and results in flavorful, flaky catfish that is not dry. This recipe is a great option for those looking for a simple and delicious way to enjoy catfish.