Catfish With Southwestern Relish Food

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:

• Heat the peanut oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven over high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer. Adjust the heat to maintain the temperature.
• Whisk the cornmeal and flour together in a shallow dish. Combine the seafood seasoning, kosher salt, paprika, and pepper in a small bowl. Season the catfish fillets evenly on both sides with the spice mixture. Pour the buttermilk into another shallow dish. Dip each fillet into the buttermilk, flip once to coat both sides, hold over the pan and allow the excess to drip off. Coat both sides of the fillets in the cornmeal mixture. Set the coated fillets on a cooling rack and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Gently add the fillets, 2 at a time, to the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the fried fillets to a cooling rack set over a newspaper-lined half sheet pan. Repeat method with remaining fillets. Arrange the catfish on a serving platter and serve immediately.

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, 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).

CRISPY CATFISH

Steps:

• In a shallow dish, combine the first four ingredients. Pat fillets dry; dip in butter, then coat with crumb mixture. , Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Grill fillets, covered, over medium-hot heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 5 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

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.

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.