FRIED CATFISH Price, Calories & Nutrition 2025

If you’re craving a true taste of Southern comfort, Texas Roadhouse’s Fried Catfish is a must-try that deserves a spot on your foodie radar. As someone who’s sampled countless versions of this classic dish, I can confidently say their take strikes a perfect balance between crispy, golden breading and tender, flaky fish inside. Texas Roadhouse has built its reputation on hearty portions and bold flavors, and their fried catfish is no exception, bringing a satisfying crunch with every bite that pays homage to Southern tradition.

Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or just exploring beyond the usual steakhouse fare, this dish offers a flavorful journey that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying. Stick around as I break down everything you need to know about this beloved item from the Texas Roadhouse menu, from taste and texture to nutrition and value.

What is the FRIED CATFISH?

Fried catfish is a beloved Southern classic that captures the heart of comfort food lovers across America. This dish features tender, mild-flavored catfish fillets, typically farm-raised in the U.S., coated in a seasoned cornmeal batter that fries up crisp and golden. The result is a delightful contrast: a crunchy exterior with juicy, flaky fish inside. Often served with traditional sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, or mashed potatoes, fried catfish embodies the rich culinary heritage of the South and remains a go-to for those craving soulful, satisfying seafood. Along with the fried catfish, the New York Strip is another hearty choice packed with flavor and protein.

Price & Calorie

Portion Size	Price	Calories
3-piece	$18.99	990 cal
4-piece	$20.99	1170 cal

Allergen

Wheat
Egg
Fish
Soy

Best Time and Tips to Order It

Check the Menu: Fried Catfish is a “Dockside Favorite,” but availability varies by location.
Early Dine for Value: Visit Mon-Thurs, 3–6 p.m. for discounted full meals without compromising freshness.
Create a Catfish Po’ Boy: Order the catfish platter plus extra lettuce, tomato, and pickles for a DIY po’ boy.
Choose Your Sides: Popular options include steak fries, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese.
Ask Your Server: Don’t hesitate to request recommendations or ask about the dish.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition details for Fried Catfish at Texas Roadhouse.

Serving Size: 1 Order

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	990
Total Fat	82 g
Saturated Fat	13 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	125 mg
Sodium	1230 mg
Total Carbohydrates	35 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Sugars	1 g
Protein	30 g

Customization Options

Here’s a clear and concise table summarizing the customization options for Texas Roadhouse’s Fried Catfish:

Sides:

Choose any 2 sides with your Fried Catfish.
Popular choices: steak fries, mac and cheese, coleslaw, buttered corn, hush puppies.
For making a po’boy, ask for extra sides of lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

Sauces:

Traditional dipping sauce: Creole Mustard Sauce.
Spicy option: creamy, horseradish-flavored Cajun sauce (comes with Cactus Blossom appetizer).
Other sauces available: ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, hot sauce.

Build Your Own Catfish Po’ Boy

Turn your meal into a New Orleans-style po’ boy:

Order the fried catfish platter.
Get sides of lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Ask for the creamy, horseradish-flavored sauce (served with the Cactus Blossom) as a spicy dip.
Layer fish, veggies, and sauce on a hoagie bun and enjoy.

Temperature (Choose One)

Frying Aspect	Details
Oil Temperature	Maintain at 350–360°F for crispy, even cooking
Batch Frying	Fry fillets in small batches to avoid oil temperature drop
Temperature Monitoring	Use a candy thermometer to keep oil temperature steady
Internal Fish Temp	Cook until fish reaches 145°F internally
Visual Indicator	Fillets should be golden brown when fully cooked

Best Pairings

Pair it with these classic Southern sides for the full experience:

Steak Fries: Thick, crispy, and satisfying.
Buttered Corn: Sweet and savory, complements the mild fish.
Coleslaw: Creamy and refreshing to cut through the fried crunch.
Hush Puppies: Traditional and slightly sweet, perfect alongside catfish.
Mac and Cheese: For a rich, comforting combo.

How It Stacks Up Against Other Fried Catfish Options

When you put Texas Roadhouse’s fried catfish up against seafood-focused restaurants or dedicated fish fry spots, the difference becomes clearer.

Freshness: Smaller, local joints often source fish from nearby waters or fresh deliveries, which can elevate the flavor profile beyond what you find in chain restaurants.
Breading: Seafood specialists tend to craft lighter, more delicate coatings that enhance rather than overwhelm the fish’s natural taste.
Portion and Presentation: Independent spots often serve thicker, meatier fillets that deliver more bang for your bite.

For those who prioritize an authentic, artisanal fried catfish experience, these dedicated restaurants might offer a superior crust and more generous cuts.

Pros

Authentic Southern-style cornmeal breading with good crunch
Juicy and flaky catfish when cooked properly
Great value for portion size and price
Comfort food that hits the spot for traditional fried fish fans

Cons

Inconsistent fish thickness and breading ratio
Recent breading changes make it thicker and sometimes tougher
Not available at every Texas Roadhouse location

Texas Roadhouse Fried Catfish Recipe

If you love the crispy, golden fried catfish from Texas Roadhouse, here’s a simple recipe to make it yourself. This Southern classic features U.S. farm-raised catfish coated in seasoned cornmeal and fried to perfection.

Ingredients

2 catfish fillets (6–8 oz each)
1 cup southern-style cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup buttermilk
Vegetable or peanut oil for frying
Lemon wedges and Creole mustard sauce (optional)

Quick Steps

Rinse and pat dry the catfish fillets.
Soak fillets in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes.
Mix cornmeal, flour, and spices in a bowl.
Heat oil to 350°F.
Coat fillets evenly in cornmeal mix.
Fry each side 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and serve with lemon and sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with coleslaw, hush puppies, mashed potatoes, or fresh veggies for a classic Southern meal. A cold iced tea or lemonade complements the flavors well.

Review

Crispy, golden-brown fillets: Perfectly fried southern-style cornmeal coating with a crunchy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside.
Signature Creole mustard sauce: Tangy and flavorful, complements the fried fish perfectly.
Homestyle flavor: Well-seasoned with a fresh, comforting taste reminiscent of home cooking.
Served hot and fresh: Maintains crispiness and moisture right to your table.
Choice of two sides: Customize with classic or hearty options like coleslaw, hush puppies, mashed potatoes, or green beans.
Famous fresh-baked rolls: Warm, soft yeast rolls with cinnamon butter included with every meal.
Great value and portion size: Generous servings at a reasonable price make it a satisfying meal.

FAQs

Yes, Texas Roadhouse catfish is known for its crispy, golden crust and tender, flavorful fish inside—definitely a popular choice for fried seafood lovers.

They coat U.S. farm-raised catfish in a southern-style cornmeal batter and deep-fry it until golden and crispy, creating a crunchy outside and moist inside.

Fried catfish has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a crunchy, seasoned cornmeal crust and a tender, flaky interior.

A typical serving has about 600–700 calories, depending on portion size and chosen sides.

Fried catfish pairs well with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

Fried catfish is a Southern U.S. staple, rooted in traditional soul food and country cooking, popularized in the Mississippi Delta region.

Deep-frying in a seasoned cornmeal batter is the classic method to get a crispy crust and moist, tender fish inside.

Texas Roadhouse’s signature Creole mustard sauce blends creamy mayo, sharp mustard, a hint of horseradish, Worcestershire, fresh lemon juice, and a secret mix of spices to create a zesty dip that pairs beautifully with fried catfish.

No, the fried catfish is coated in a breading that includes wheat flour, so it’s not suitable for those avoiding gluten. Guests with gluten sensitivities should consider other menu options or ask about special accommodations.

Yes, Texas Roadhouse serves fried catfish made from U.S.-raised farm catfish, dipped in a southern-style cornmeal coating, fried crisp, and offered with a choice of two sides.

The fried catfish comes with a creamy, tangy Creole mustard sauce, delivering a flavorful kick that enhances every crispy bite.

Final Verdict

Texas Roadhouse Fried Catfish offers a deliciously crispy, tender experience that honors Southern tradition with every bite. Generous portions and a flexible sides menu make it great value for seafood lovers. Whether you’re a longtime catfish fan or just trying it for the first time, this dish is a standout that delivers consistently satisfying flavor and texture. If you want a fried fish meal that balances authenticity and comfort with quality or the mood for crispy fried catfish or a savory steak like the Bone-In Ribeye, Texas Roadhouse delivers quality and flavor across their menu.