This simple Catfish Sandwich is the best easy meal. It’s pan-seared to perfection with simple seasoning and topped with a sweet, tangy slaw.
I believe that catfish is very underrated! It’s more affordable than most seafood options and it’s incredibly versatile. It has a subtle flavor which makes it perfect to take on seasonings and marinades. Plus, it’s not a hard fish to cook correctly so you don’t have to be an expert to make it!
I love catfish on sandwiches. It’s so tender and flaky. With this recipe, it’s seasoned simply with salt and pepper and topped with a crunchy slaw that has sweetness and tang. It pairs well with so many side dishes, too. I highly recommend this pan-fried catfish sandwich for your next busy weeknight dinner.
Are you looking for more ways to enjoy catfish? Try Air Fryer Catfish and Smoked Catfish the next time you pick some up!
Why You’ll Love This Catfish Sandwich Recipe
- Great flavor and texture: The moist catfish, crispy, creamy coleslaw, and juicy tomato come together to create balanced flavors AND textures!
- Weeknight favorite: In less than 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal. Try making these catfish sandwiches for dinner on a busy weeknight.
- Budget-friendly: Since catfish is pretty inexpensive (and so are the rest of the ingredients) it’s perfect for a tight budget.
Ingredients
Simple, easy-to-find ingredients are used to make these catfish sandwiches.
- Catfish filets: Catfish doesn’t have a “fishy” flavor which makes it great for someone who isn’t a huge fan of seafood. This recipe uses two large filets for two sandwiches. Feel free to double this recipe (or triple, if needed) to feed the whole family. Fresh or frozen work well.
- Salt and pepper: I keep it simple when it comes to the seasoning on the catfish. It’s not a deep-fried catfish sandwich recipe so be sure to season to taste. Add other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika if you wish.
- Red pepper flakes: This is an optional ingredient to mix with the coleslaw for a hint of heat. Leave it out if you don’t want to add spice to the sandwich.
- Miracle Whip: For the coleslaw, I love the flavor of Miracle Whip. It has a more tangy flavor than traditional mayo. If you want to use mayo, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to offset the richness.
- Milk: This is used to help thin out the coleslaw dressing.
- Sugar: The subtle sweetness of the slaw comes from the sugar. It goes into the dressing with the miracle whip.
- Coleslaw mix: I used a simple combo of shredded cabbage and carrots. If you have a mix that you enjoy more, go ahead and use it! The crunchy, fresh coleslaw adds texture and contrast to the succulent catfish.
- Tomatoes: Any slicing tomato is perfect. I love the natural sweetness of a juicy tomato only any sandwich.
- Buns: Simple Kaiser rolls or your favorite sandwich buns will work great.
Check out the recipe card for exact measurements as well as more details.
Variations
- Cajun: Season your catfish filets with your favorite cajun seasoning blend for depth and heat.
- Lemon and Herb: A squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs such as dill and parsley pair perfectly with the mild flavor of catfish and the creamy slaw.
- Asian Inspired: Sweet honey and soy glazed catfish would taste amazing on a sandwich! Garnish with sesame seeds for extra flair.
- Dairy-free: Swap the plant-based milk to make it a dairy-free dish.
- Spicy: Add a bit of this smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder over the top of the catfish fillets before mixing or sprinkle a bit into the dressing.
How to Make Catfish Sandwiches
Here are instructions on how to make this catfish filet sandwich.
Step 1: Heat skillet. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Grease with oil or butter.
Step 2: Add and season catfish. Place your catfish filets in the hot skillet and season them generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook. Sear each side of the filets for about 4 minutes. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Make dressing. Combine Miracle Whip, milk, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Mix coleslaw. Stir in the coleslaw mix and coat evenly with the dressing.
Step 6: Assemble the sandwiches. Place a scoop of coleslaw on each bun, and top with cooked catfish and a slice of tomato.
⭐️ Hint: The catfish is cooked once it is easily flaked with a fork.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy Easy Catfish Tacos, Crispy Cod Sandwich, Cajun Chicken Sandwich or our Loose Meat Sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
- Creamy salads pair wonderfully with this catfish sandwich recipe. Try serving it with Creole Smoked Potato Salad or Broccoli Crunch Salad.
- Sandwiches and fries are a classic pairing. I recommend Easy Air Fryer Steak Fries or Frozen Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.
- Try a southern side like Southern Collard Greens Ham Hocks.
- One of my favorite fried fish sandwich toppings is tartar sauce. This tasty homemade 3 Ingredient Tartar Sauce Recipe is a must-try.
Tips
- Storing: Place leftover catfish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked catfish filets in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warm or in a skillet over low heat.
- Serve warm. The flavor and texture of the catfish is at its best right after it’s cooked. Enjoy soon after making or reheating.
- Choose sturdy bread. Kaiser rolls and hoagie rolls are some of my favorite buns for fish sandwiches. I find that Brioche buns become soggy quickly so pick one that can stand up to the catfish and coleslaw.
- Balance the flavors. This catfish sandwich is rich, soft, and crunchy. Add something bright like pickles or a touch of lemon juice for acidity and brightness.
- Make it ahead: Cook your catfish filets and store them in your refrigerator for a tasty lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Cut the filets into smaller portions and use slider buns to make tasty catfish sliders for a party.
Lots of foods pair well with catfish. It’s a very versatile type of fish. Coleslaw, salads, and even mac and cheese!
More Fish Sandwich Recipes
Do you love a good fish sandwich? Here are some recipes you may also like to try!
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Best Catfish Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 large filets catfish
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup Miracle Whip
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 1-2 tablespoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups coleslaw salad mix I used cabbage and carrots
- Sliced tomatoes
- 2 buns
Instructions
- Place filets in a medium greased skillet over medium heat.
- Add salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Cook about 4 minutes on each side or until fish can be easily flaked with a fork.
- Remove filets from pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towel.
- While fish is cooking, mix miracle whip, milk, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if you choose to use them) in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Add coleslaw mix and stir until well-coated.
- Place a large spoonful of coleslaw on each bun, followed by a catfish filet, and sliced tomatoes.
Notes
- Storing: Place leftover catfish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked catfish filets in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warm or in a skillet over low heat.
- Serve warm. The flavor and texture of the catfish is at its best right after it’s cooked. Enjoy soon after making or reheating.
- Choose sturdy bread. Kaiser rolls and hoagie rolls are some of my favorite buns for fish sandwiches. I find that Brioche buns become soggy quickly so pick one that can stand up to the catfish and coleslaw.
- Balance the flavors. This catfish sandwich is rich, soft, and crunchy. Add something bright like pickles or a touch of lemon juice for acidity and brightness.
- Make it ahead: Cook your catfish filets and store them in your refrigerator for a tasty lunch or quick dinner the next day.
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