Just because fish offers many health benefits doesnt mean it cant be a tasty indulgence. Pieces of salty, golden-fried fish are a perfect option for when you want some deep-fried comfort–and many major restaurant chains offer their own version of this beloved dish.
But which chain serves the absolute best fried fish? To settle that question, I recently tried the fried fish at five major restaurant chains: Applebees, TGI Fridays, Bonefish Grill, Red Lobster, and Red Robin.
Judging fried fish really comes down to two criteria: taste and texture. The absolute best fried fish develops a golden, crispy layer of breading on the outside while staying moist in the middle. I did take into account that doing this taste test at home put the restaurants at a slight disadvantage because fried fish has the best taste and texture when its fresh out of the fryer.
Fried fish should also be a generous dusting of salt or other seasonings to round out the flavor. All of the chains I tried served tartar sauce with their fish, but I refrained from dipping so that I could judge the taste accurately. After all, most tartar sauces are so flavorful that you might not notice when the fish is subpar.
Heres what I thought about each option, starting with my least favorite and ending with my favorite.
Catfish is a popular fish that many seafood lovers enjoy for its sweet, mild flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. As one of the largest seafood restaurant chains in America, Red Lobster has a diverse menu full of shrimp, crab, lobster and various fish offerings. But with catfish never explicitly listed on their general menu, a common question from catfish fans is: does Red Lobster actually serve catfish?
As both a catfish lover and Red Lobster regular myself, I decided to dig into this question and find out if it’s possible to enjoy delicious catfish at Red Lobster. After thorough research into their menus, customer reviews and direct confirmation with local restaurants, the answer is clear – yes, Red Lobster does serve catfish!
However, there are some important caveats Catfish is not a permanent menu item at Red Lobster Instead, it seems to be a rotating, seasonal dish that appears periodically depending on location. Here’s a comprehensive look at the details on Red Lobster’s elusive catfish offerings and why it hasn’t become a staple menu item.
When and Where Catfish is Served at Red Lobster
While not always available, catfish can be found at many Red Lobster locations depending on the time of year. Here’s an overview of catfish availability on the Red Lobster menu:
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Catfish appears most frequently during Lent season, when demand rises for non-shellfish options among Catholic customers abstaining from land meat on Fridays.
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It’s typically offered as a fried catfish entree, with some locations periodically offering a Cajun grilled catfish dish.
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Availability varies by location and season – calling ahead is the best way to check your local restaurant.
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Customer reviews consistently praise the flavor, portion size and preparation of Red Lobster’s catfish dishes.
Why Catfish Hasn’t Become a Permanent Menu Item
Given catfish’s popularity across much of the US, especially in the South, why hasn’t it earned a permanent place on the Red Lobster menu? There are a few strategic factors at play:
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Shellfish like lobster, crab and shrimp are Red Lobster’s signature dishes and primary focus. Catfish takes a backseat priority-wise.
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Prices and supply of catfish can fluctuate more than shellfish from contracted fisheries. Keeping it rotating reduces risk.
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Fried preparation matches their other popular dishes, but doesn’t offer lighter options for health-conscious diners.
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Permanent availability would require supply chain and inventory management changes to source consistently.
Ultimately, keeping catfish as a rotating, regional offering allows Red Lobster to cater to demand spikes in certain areas and seasons without overhauling their menus and supply chains.
How Red Lobster Cooks Their Catfish Entrees
For catfish lovers, a key question is how Red Lobster actually prepares this mild, flaky fish compared to independent restaurants and competitors. Here are the most common catfish dishes at Red Lobster:
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Fried Catfish – The most frequently offered catfish entree, consisting of fillets breaded then deep fried until golden brown and crispy. Often served Cajun spiced or with shrimp etouffee.
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Cajun Grilled Catfish – Marinated in bold Cajun seasonings, then grilled for a flavorful char. Topped with tomato butter or blackening spices.
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Catfish Feasts – Some locations offer seasonal specials like bottomless or all-you-can-eat catfish paired with Southern sides like hushpuppies and slaw.
No matter the preparation, the hallmarks of Red Lobster’s cooking style come through – generous portions, fresh ingredients, and creative touches to enhance the flavor.
Should Red Lobster Add Catfish to Their Permanent National Menu?
As both a loyal Red Lobster customer and catfish enthusiast, I would personally love to see catfish added officially to their national menu. Here are some of the benefits I think Red Lobster could gain from expanding catfish offerings:
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It would give non-shellfish eaters a reliable fish choice always available for dietary needs or preferences.
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Catfish is an approachable starter fish for picky eaters and children trying seafood for the first time.
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Permanent availability would satisfy Southerners who see catfish as a staple expectation at any seafood restaurant.
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It provides a lighter, more budget-friendly anchor dish compared to heavy, expensive shellfish entrees.
Of course, Red Lobster has a successful brand formula they’ve followed for decades. But for this passionate catfish lover, a permanent spot for catfish on their menu would be a very welcome enhancement!
The Verdict: An Inconsistent but Tasty Treat for Catfish Fans
In conclusion, those craving the mild flavor and flaky texture of catfish can indeed indulge at Red Lobster locations nationwide when seasonal availability and regional demand aligns. While not a primary part of their menu, periodic catfish dishes provide a nice break from Red Lobster’s rich, butter-drenched seafood preparations. Any catfish fan visiting this famous seafood chain simply needs to call ahead or visit during Lent to maximize their chances of enjoying Red Lobster’s take on this versatile fish. So while patience and luck is required, landing a catfish meal at Red Lobster is a tasty reward indeed for fish lovers!
Red Robin’s House-Battered Fish & Chips
Red Robins House-Battered Fish & Chips featured hand-breaded, fried cod fillets served with tartar sauce, coleslaw, and steak fries. This dish cost $20.39.
The look: While I appreciated the golden brown color on Red Robins fried fish, the dish looked a little sad overall. The pieces of cod were small and they didnt have the sheen of glistening oil that you usually see on freshly fried fish.
The taste: Unfortunately, my opinion on Red Robins fish only got worse when I tried it. The breading was papery and had no crispy texture whatsoever, while the fish was so dry that it was almost mealy. Red Robin could have redeemed itself somewhat if at least the taste was good, but it sorely lacked any salt or seasoning. To be clear, none of the other options I tried were perfect. But they all brought something to the table in terms of flavor or texture that Red Robin didnt.
Applebee’s Hand Battered Fish & Chips
Applebees Hand Battered Fish & Chips featured battered fish fillets served with tartar sauce and the customers choice of two sides. This dish cost $20.39.
The look: Applebees fried fish was so beautiful that I actually exclaimed out loud when I opened the box. It had the deepest golden brown color out of any the options I tried. The breading was still glistening with oil from its time in the fryer, so I could tell it was still hot and fresh.
The taste: If this ranking was only about textures, Applebees fried fish would have won the race by a landslide. The battered outside stayed shatteringly crispy throughout the whole delivery process and the inside was perfectly moist. My one critique that led me to place it lower in this ranking was the noticeable lack of seasoning. The batch I got ended up being sort of bland and it would have benefitted greatly from even a simple sprinkle of salt. But if youre the type of person who likes to drown your fish in tartar sauce, you may not even notice the lackluster flavor of the actual fish.
Did You Know That RED LOBSTER has Fried CATFISH FILLETS?/Red Lobster Restaurant, Matteson – #4305
FAQ
What type of fish does Red Lobster serve?
You’ll find Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Cod on our menu year-round. They’re traceable, sustainable and responsibly sourced – just like all of the seafood we serve.
Does Red Lobster serve tilapia?
Pan-seared tilapia paired with grilled sea scallops, topped with a garlic and herb sauce. Served with choice of two sides.
Does Red Lobster have fish fry?
Fish Fry Family Meal. Crispy wild-caught flounder served with Chesapeake fries, coleslaw and 8 Cheddar Bay Biscuits®.
Does Red Lobster have a senior discount?
Red Lobster offers a Senior Discount to customers who are aged 55 and older, providing them with a special savings opportunity on select menu items. The discount typically varies by location and may apply during specific days of the week or times of day.