Catfish Sandwiches
These catfish sandwiches are the ultimate hand-held feast for any fish lover. Golden, flaky catfish filets, tomatoes, and coleslaw are sandwiched between soft hamburger buns to create a delicious sandwich perfect with fries, tots, or chips.

I love fish sandwiches, and catfish is one of my favorite freshwater fish. I combined my recipe for pan-seared catfish filets with a few simple ingredients to create a fish sandwich that my family always loves. You will love how easy it is!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It only takes a handful of ingredients to make this flavorful sandwich.
- It's a quick and easy recipe perfect for parties or weeknight dinners.
- The flavor of the catfish with the coleslaw is a delicious combo.
Top Tip
Flip your catfish filets once and only once to ensure they get a lovely golden color and keep them from falling apart.
Ingredients
This recipe only takes a few simple ingredients that you can find quickly and easily at any grocery store. There's nothing fancy for these sandwiches!
All the ingredients are listed here, but you can find their exact amounts in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Large catfish filets
- Salt and pepper
- Miracle Whip
- Sugar
- Milk
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Coleslaw salad mix (I used cabbage and carrots)
- Sliced tomatoes
- 2 buns
Instructions
This recipe is quick and easy and only takes a few simple steps. You'll be in and out of the kitchen in no time.
The highlights are listed here, but check the recipe card for the exact instructions.
1: Salt and pepper the catfish filets to taste and pan-fry them until golden on both sides and easily flaked with a fork.
2: Transfer the cooked filets to a plate lined with paper towels.
3: While the fish is cooking, mix the milk, Miracle Whip, sugar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl until smooth.
4: Add the coleslaw mix and stir to combine.
5: Spoon coleslaw on top of the bottom of a bun, then top it with sliced tomatoes, catfish filets, and the top bun. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
- Your favorite white fish filets will work for this recipe.
- Omit the red pepper flakes for a mild version of this sandwich.
- Make the coleslaw with tartar sauce for a delicious twist.
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Spatula
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the catfish in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. Store the coleslaw in an air-tight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Store the catfish in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 2 months. Do not freeze the coleslaw.
Reheat: Reheat the catfish in a skillet with a bit of water on medium-low heat until heated through.
What to Serve with Catfish Sandwiches
Serve these sandwiches with your favorite fish and sandwich sides like:
- French fries
- Home fries
- Tater tots
- Potato chips
- Hushpuppies
Tips
- Flip the fish once. This gives them a nice golden color and reduces their chances of falling apart.
- Cook your filets over medium heat. This fully cooks them on the inside without burning them on the outside.
- It's best to use oil for cooking your filets to avoid a burned butter flavor.
FAQ
Catfish has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a firm, flaky texture.
No fish filet should have bones. The fileting process is meant to bypass bones. However, check the filets for bones anyway to be safe.
Run your fingers along the filets against the grain, feeling for any points. These are the bones. If you find a bone, use a pair of tweezers to pull the bone from the filet gently with the grain.
Catfish is very healthy. It contains lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12.
More Seafood Recipes
Catfish Sandwiches
These catfish sandwiches feature pan-seared catfish, coleslaw, and tomatoes piled high on soft buns. The perfect seafood sandwich!
Ingredients
- 2 large catfish filets
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup Miracle Whip
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- OPTIONAL: ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 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.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 745Total Fat 38gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 113mgSodium 1032mgCarbohydrates 65gFiber 6gSugar 39gProtein 34g
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