Fried Catfish Rolls are quick, easy summer sandwiches made with crispy catfish chunks, spicy jalapeno mayo, and buttery toasted potato buns, ready in 30 minutes. That makes them a great weeknight dinner or potluck crowd-pleaser, since the catfish fries in just one minute per batch.
Heating the oil to 350 degrees is the key step, because catfish chunks cook so fast that wrong temperature leaves them greasy or raw. A deep-fry thermometer takes the guesswork out and gives you a light, crispy crust every time.
This version uses mini potato buns joined in rows of three, which mimic a lobster roll and give more bread surface for broiling. The blended jalapeno mayo adds a kick that most fried fish sandwiches skip entirely.
Fried Catfish Rolls
Course: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes785
kcalCatfish fillets cut into chunks, dredged in seasoned instant flour, and fried until golden. Served on buttery broiled potato buns with a blended jalapeno scallion mayo, sliced tomato, pickles, and celery.
Ingredients
- For the Spicy Mayo:
1 to 2 jalapeno or serrano peppers, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
2 scallions, roughly chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 to 2 tablespoons pickling liquid
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- For the Catfish:
Vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup instant flour (such as Wondra)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound catfish fillets, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- For Assembly:
1 (12-count) package miniature potato buns (do not separate)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced
Sliced pickles
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
Directions
- Heat the oil:Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot and heat over medium until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees.
- Blend the mayo:Combine the jalapeno, scallions, mayonnaise, and pickling liquid in a blender and puree until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the catfish:Place the instant flour in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Toss the catfish chunks in the flour, then shake off any excess in a strainer.
- Fry the fish:Working in batches, fry the catfish until lightly golden and just cooked through, about 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate. Preheat the broiler.
- Toast the buns:Divide the buns into four 3-roll rows so they look like hot dog buns. Split them open down the center, brush the tops and insides with melted butter, and broil until golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Assemble: Toss the fried catfish with the spicy mayo and divide among the buns. Top with sliced tomato, pickles, and celery.
FAQs
What type of flour works best for frying catfish?
Wondra instant flour works best for this recipe because it coats evenly and creates a thinner, crispier crust than all-purpose flour. You can substitute regular flour if needed, but shake off the excess more carefully to avoid clumping on the surface. Cornstarch mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper makes a good alternative that fries up light and crunchy.
What kind of pot should you use for frying?
You should use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven because it holds heat more evenly than a thin pan during frying. Cast iron works well too, since the thick walls keep the oil temperature steady and stable between batches. A deep skillet can also work in a pinch, but you will need to watch the oil temperature more closely throughout.
How long does the spicy jalapeno mayo last?
The spicy mayo keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in a sealed jar or airtight container. Make it ahead and chill it so the jalapeno flavor has time to develop and intensify before serving. You can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer peppers, and removing the seeds tones it down even further.
Can you toast the buns ahead of time?
You can broil the buns up to an hour ahead of time and keep them loosely covered with a clean towel at room temperature. Butter them right before broiling so they get an even golden color on top without burning at the edges. Watch them closely under the broiler since potato buns go from golden to charred in just seconds.
What fish can you use instead of catfish?
Catfish is mild and flaky, and it holds up well to frying without falling apart in the hot oil. Tilapia or cod make good substitutes if catfish is hard to find at your local grocery store or market. Cut any replacement fish into the same half-inch chunks so the cooking time stays at about one minute per batch.
