Catfish With Southwestern Relish Recipes

SOUTHWESTERN CATFISH

Steps:

• For salsa, in a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, jalapenos, vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes., Combine the paprika, chili powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne, garlic powder and remaining salt; rub over catfish. Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. , Grill fillets, uncovered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 5 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with salsa.

SOUTHERN FRIED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, mayonnaise, scallions and relish to make a tartar sauce. Refrigerate until needed.
• Heat oil in deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.
• Combine cornmeal, Blackfish Spice and salt and pepper, to taste. Dredge catfish fillets in seasoned cornmeal. Deep-fry coated pieces in batches until they are cooked through, about 10 minutes. (For basic reference, use the manufacturer's instructions for your deep fryer for similar foods, then test the fish see that it is fork tender.) Allow to drain on paper towels and serve with tartar sauce and fresh lemon wedges (to squeeze lemon juice over the fish).

SOUTHWEST RELISH

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients.
• Cover and refrigerate 1 hour to blend flavors. Store covered in refrigerator up to 2 days.

SOUTHWESTERN GRILLED CATFISH

Steps:

• Combine the first 7 ingredients; stir well.
• Rub spice mixture over catfish fillets.
• Coat gill rack with nonstick cooking spray.
• Grill fillets over medium heat for 5 minutes per side or until fish flakes easily.
• Serve with fresh salsa.

SOUTHERN FRIED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix buttermilk, water, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture into a flat pan large enough to hold the fillets. Spread fish in one layer over bottom of pan, turning to coat each side, and set aside to marinate.
• In a 2 gallon resealable plastic bag, combine the cornmeal, flour, and seafood seasoning. Add fish to mixture, a few fillets at a time, and tumble gently to coat evenly.
• Heat oil in deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
• Deep fry fillets until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Avoid overcrowding so fillets have room to brown properly. Fish should be slightly crisp outside, and moist and flaky inside. Drain on paper towels.

CAJUN CATFISH WITH SWEET ONION RELISH

Steps:

• Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; saute 5 minutes. Spoon onion into a bowl. Add tomatoes, olives, water, and 1 teaspoon thyme leaves. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
• Prepare grill. Combine 1 teaspoon olive oil, remaining 2 teaspoons thyme, paprika, garlic salt, and red pepper. Rub mixture over both sides of catfish fillets. Place fillets on a grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 5 minutes on each side, or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Serve with relish.

SKILLET CATFISH

Steps:

• In a shallow dish, combine cornbread mix and seafood seasoning. Add catfish, one fillet at a time, and turn to coat., In a lightly oiled large nonstick skillet, cook fillets in batches over medium heat for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

FRIED CATFISH SANDWICH

Steps:

• Fill a deep heavy-bottom skillet with about 2 1/2 inches oil. Place over medium heat until oil registers 365 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Meanwhile, combine cornmeal, red-pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl or large plate.
• Season catfish fillets on both sides with remaining tablespoon salt and teaspoon pepper. Dredge fillets in cornmeal mixture, turning to coat both sides. Working in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan, carefully submerge fillets in oil, and fry until crust is crisp and golden and fish is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a large plate.
• To serve, spread bread slices with mayonnaise and/or relish, as desired. Place catfish fillets on half the slices, and top each with a few onion slices and one of the remaining slices of bread.

CATFISH WITH SOUTHWESTERN RELISH

Steps:

• Rinse fillets, dry, and set aside on plate.
• In a small bowl, combine the peel, juice, cilantro, oregano, scallion, olive oil, salt, and cayenne. Stir.
• In a medium bowl, combine avocado, beans, and tomato. Pour half of the cilantro mixture over top and toss all ingredients. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate.
• Pour half of the remaining cilantro mix atop fillets. Turn fillets to coat and let stand 2-3 minutes (too long and acid starts to cook outside of fish).
• Heat grill pan on med-medium high, brush grill with 1/2 tsp oil.
• Remove fish from plate and place on grill. Grill 2-3 minutes, turn, brush with remaining cilantro mixture, and cook 2-3 minutes or until fish flakes when tested with a fork.
• Plate fish and top with the refrigerated southwestern relish.
• Decorate with garnishes if desired. Side suggestions: couscous, rice, sauteed green beans, asparagus.