Texas Roadhouse Fried Catfish Review 2025

Texas Roadhouse has earned its reputation as one of America’s most beloved casual dining chains, blending Southern hospitality with hearty portions and flavorful comfort food. Since its founding on February 17, 1993, by Kent Taylor in Clarksville, Indiana, Texas Roadhouse has grown exponentially. What started as a humble steakhouse now boasts a vast menu that includes not only hand-cut steaks and fall-off-the-bone ribs but also an expanding selection of seafood dishes — including the much-talked-about Fried Catfish.

In this review, we take a deep dive into the Texas Roadhouse Fried Catfish — its taste, texture, price, calorie content, and whether it’s worth your order.

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The Ambience and Experience

From the moment you walk into Texas Roadhouse, the scent of sizzling meat and baked bread greets you. Guests are seated with a bucket of peanuts to snack on and freshly baked dinner rolls with the famous cinnamon butter — a warm, sweet beginning to the meal.

What makes the experience unique is the casual, lively environment: upbeat country music, friendly staff, and that fun touch of cracking peanut shells and tossing them on the floor. It’s a place where families, friends, and coworkers come together to enjoy good food and relaxed vibes.

Introduction of Seafood – The “Dockside” Menu

Though known for their steaks and ribs, Texas Roadhouse responded to changing customer demands by adding a “Dockside” section to their menu, which features freshly-prepared seafood dishes like fried catfish, grilled salmon, and grilled shrimp.

Among these options, the Fried Catfish stands out as a fan favorite — and for good reason.

Fried Catfish Taste and Texture

The Texas Roadhouse Fried Catfish is served either as a 3-piece or 4-piece meal. Each piece is generously sized, deep-fried to a golden crisp, and served piping hot.

Here’s what you can expect:

Flavor Profile: The fish itself is sweet, mild, and moist — less flaky than other whitefish but firmer in bite.
Seasoning: It’s breaded using a seasoned cornmeal mix with hints of salt, pepper, and a touch of buttermilk. This creates a flavorful crust without overwhelming the natural taste of the fish.
Cooking Method: The fish is deep-fried in a mixture of soybean and peanut oil, giving it a crunchy, smoky flavor and crispy outer texture.

It’s a delightful contrast: the firm, moist interior of the fish against the crackling bite of its seasoned shell.

Side Dish Options

With your catfish, you get to choose two sides from an impressive list. Popular choices include:

Buttered corn
Seasoned rice
Apple sauce
Fresh vegetables
Cup of chili
Steak fries
Mashed potatoes
Baked potato
Sweet potato
Sautéed onions and mushrooms

Personally, we recommend pairing it with steak fries and sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal, or with grilled vegetables and seasoned rice if you’re aiming for a lighter combo.

Nutritional Information – Is It Healthy?

Here’s the nutrition breakdown of Texas Roadhouse Fried Catfish (4-piece meal):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	790
Total Fat	48g
Saturated Fat	–
Cholesterol	152mg
Sodium	940mg
Carbohydrates	39g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	0g
Protein	48g

Key Notes:

Higher in fat due to the deep-frying method.
Rich in protein and vitamin B12.
Lower in carbs compared to many steak-based meals.

Healthy Tip: Pairing the catfish with steamed vegetables and skipping sugary drinks can turn this into a more balanced meal.

Price and Portion – Great Value

One of the biggest selling points of Texas Roadhouse is their generous portions at reasonable prices.

Item	Price
Grilled Shrimp	$14.99
Grilled Salmon	$14.99
Fried Catfish (3 pc)	$11.99
Fried Catfish (4 pc)	$14.99

If you’re someone who likes to indulge in the free dinner rolls and still have room for a hearty meal, the 3-piece Fried Catfish is more than sufficient.

Overall Value – Is It Worth It?

Yes, absolutely.

Taste: Seasoned well, crispy texture, moist interior.
Portion Size: Large and satisfying.
Price: Excellent value for the quality and quantity.
Sides: Wide variety to suit different tastes.

This dish rivals many Southern-style seafood joints and is arguably one of the best fish plates you can get at a steakhouse chain.

Top Pairings

Here are the Top 5 Side Pairings from the Texas Roadhouse menu that complement Fried Catfish:

Side Dish	Notes
Baked Potato	Classic, creamy, and filling
Sautéed Mushrooms	Earthy flavor balances the fried fish
Steak Fries	Golden and crispy like the catfish
Grilled Vegetables	Lighter, adds color and nutrition
Seasoned Rice	Mild and pairs well with seafood

FAQs – Texas Roadhouse Fried Catfish

What does Texas Roadhouse Fried Catfish taste like?

It has a mild, sweet flavor with a firm texture and crispy, golden breading that adds a satisfying crunch.

Is the Fried Catfish spicy?

No, it’s seasoned with salt and pepper and isn’t spicy. However, you can request dipping sauces like tartar sauce, ranch, or even mustard.

How many calories are in the Fried Catfish meal?

A 4-piece Fried Catfish meal has about 790 calories. Adding sides may increase the total to over 1000 calories.

Is it worth ordering over steak or ribs?

If you’re a seafood lover or want to try something different, the fried catfish is an excellent option with equally satisfying flavor and portion size.

Does Texas Roadhouse offer grilled fish?

Yes, the Dockside menu also features grilled shrimp and grilled salmon, both for $14.99.

Can I get the Fried Catfish as part of a combo?

Currently, Texas Roadhouse does not advertise a seafood combo, but you can customize your meal with sides to make it more diverse.

Is the fish fresh or frozen?

The restaurant promotes using fresh ingredients, and the taste and texture suggest the catfish is of high quality.

What oil is used for frying the catfish?

A blend of soybean and peanut oils is used, contributing to the smoky taste and crispy texture.

Is it gluten-free?

No, the breading contains wheat and the dish is not suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

How much sodium does the dish have?

Approximately 940 mg for the 4-piece serving, which is moderate compared to other menu items.

Can I order it for takeout?

Yes, Texas Roadhouse offers takeout, and the catfish travels fairly well if consumed soon after pick-up.

What are the best drinks to pair with Fried Catfish?

Lemonade, iced tea, or even a light beer work well to balance the richness of the fish.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, though portions may be large, kids often enjoy the mild flavor and crispy texture.

Is it seasonal or available year-round?

Fried Catfish is available year-round as part of the regular Dockside menu.

What dessert pairs well after Fried Catfish?

Consider the Granny’s Apple Classic or Strawberry Cheesecake for a sweet finish.

Conclusion

If you haven’t tried the Fried Catfish at Texas Roadhouse yet, it’s time you did. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply want a change from beef and pork, this dish delivers in every way — taste, value, texture, and satisfaction.

With a golden crunch outside and a sweet, tender interior, served hot with your favorite sides and that iconic bread basket, the Fried Catfish earns a solid 9/10.