Crispy, Spicy, and Southern-Inspired
These deep-fried catfish wraps are everything you want in a handheld southern meal: crispy, spicy, creamy, and totally craveable. Strips of catfish are seasoned and fried until golden brown, then loaded into warm tortillas with cheese, lettuce, and that bold Popeyes-style blackened ranch and sweet heat sauce combo. It’s a street food-style wrap bursting with Southern comfort and flavor.
Whether you’re serving this for a game day snack or a quick weeknight dinner, these wraps bring the crunch and the kick.
Ingredients
For the Catfish
- Catfish filets, cut into strips
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Cajun seasoning (to taste)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Hot sauce (a few dashes)
For the Dry Batter
- Cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper (same as above)
For the Wraps
- Popeye’s Blackened Ranch sauce (or similar)
- Sweet Heat sauce
- Lettuce, shredded
- Tortillas (soft taco size)
- Shredded cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Fish
- Slice your catfish filets into strips.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, mustard, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and hot sauce to create your wet batter.
Step 2: Bread the Fish
- In a separate bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, and the same seasonings used in the wet batter.
- Dip each catfish strip into the wet batter, then coat in the dry mixture.
- Place coated strips on a tray and let rest in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F.
- Fry catfish strips until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
- Warm tortillas.
- Spread blackened ranch sauce on each tortilla.
- Add shredded lettuce, cheese (if using), and a few fried catfish strips.
- Drizzle with sweet heat sauce.
- Fold or roll into wraps and serve.
Pro Tips and Serving Suggestions
- Use buttermilk in place of eggs for an extra tender coating.
- Add pickled jalapeños or slaw for extra flavor.
- These wraps pair great with fries, sweet potato wedges, or coleslaw.
- Make it a platter: serve open-faced with extra sauce and sides.
About the Creator
Sir Good Eats brings bold flavor, crispy textures, and deep-fried deliciousness to your feed. Known for creative remixes on comfort food, his recipes are flavorful, no-fuss, and always satisfying.
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Sir Good Eats | @sirgoodeats