Peanut Crusted Cornmeal Catfish Food

FRIED CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a shallow dish combine the first 6 ingredients.
• Dredge the fillets into the mixture and coat evenly.
• In a large cast-iron skillet or a Dutch oven pour about 2-inches of oil; heat to 350 degrees.
• Fry the fillets in batches for about 5-6 minutes turning once until golden.
• Drain on paper towels.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• Stir together the milk and 1 heaping tablespoon of the House Seasoning. Pour the milk mixture into a shallow baking dish large enough to hold the filets. Spread the filets in an even layer in the dish, turning to coat each side. Let marinate for about 1 hour in a cool place or the refrigerator.
• Pour enough oil into a large Dutch oven to come 2 inches up the side. Clip a deep-fry thermometer to the pot and heat over medium-high heat until the thermometer reaches 370 degrees F.
• Meanwhile, stir together the cornmeal, flour and remaining 1 heaping tablespoon House Seasoning in a paper bag. Working with a few filets at a time, remove them from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them in the paper bag and gently turn the bag over several times until the filets are evenly coated with the cornmeal mixture. Remove the filets and place them on a baking sheet while you repeat the process with the remaining filets.
• Working in batches, fry the filets until golden brown and crisp on the outside and moist and flaky inside, adjusting the heat to maintain temperature, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a clean wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to drain. Serve the filets with lemon wedges.
• Stir together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

SOUTHERN-CORNMEAL CRUSTED CATFISH WITH CRUNCHY CORN RELISH

Steps:

• To make Crunchy Corn Relish: Melt butter in a large skillet. Add water and corn; cover and simmer for 4 minutes. Stir in red pepper and cook for 1 additional minute. Add green onion, half-and-half, and salt and pepper to taste.
• To make Southern Cornmeal Crusted Catfish: Stir together buttermilk or yogurt and hot sauce; brush on catfish and allow to marinate for 10 minutes. Coat catfish lightly with cornmeal and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
• Melt butter and olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. When skillet is hot, sauté catfish about 3 minutes on each side, turning only once, until golden and crisp. Serve with relish. Makes 4 servings.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the egg and lemon juice. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt. Dip catfish into egg mixture, then coat with cornmeal mixture., In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry fillets, two at a time, for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

SPICY CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• Place fillets in a single layer in a shallow glass dish, Pour milk over the fish; cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or for up to 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, prepare Tangy Tartar Sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
• Stir in remaining ingredients.
• Keep refrigerated.
• Makes 1/2 cup.
• Preheat oven to 500°F.
• Combine cornmeal, parsley, garlic and cayenne to taste in a shallow dish.
• Remove the fish from the milk, sprinkle both side with salt and dredge in the cornmeal mixture.
• Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Place the fish on baking sheet and lightly coat the fish with cooking spray.
• Bake until the fish is firm to the touch and opaque in the center, 10-15 minutes.
• Serve immediately with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
• Makes 4 servings.

PEANUT CRUSTED CORNMEAL CATFISH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then oil parchment.
• In a food processor, whirl peanuts with cornmeal until peanuts are finely chopped (or chop peanuts by hand). Place mixture in a pie plate along with parsley and thyme, and stir. In a small bowl, stir yogurt with hot sauce and salt. If catfish fillets are large, cut into serving-size pieces.
• Working with one fillet at a time, brush each side with yogurt mixture. Then, dip in cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat both sides. Place on baking sheet, and repeat with remaining fillets. Any extra peanut mixture can be sprinkled over top, coating any missed spots. Bake until golden and fish flakes with a fork, about 15 minutes.

SESAME CRUSTED CATFISH WITH GEECHEE PEANUT SAUCE AND SAUTEED OKRA

Steps:

• Grind 1/2 cup sesame seeds in spice grinder into a rough powder. Leave the other 1/2 cup whole. Combine the sesame powder, sesame seeds, cornmeal, and salt and pepper and place in a shallow bowl.
• Dredge catfish fillets in sesame-cornmeal mix and saute in hot peanut oil until golden brown. Remove catfish, keep warm. Empty skillet of oil and crusty cornmeal. Add new oil to hot pan and saute the fresh sliced okra until it becomes slightly brown, about 8 minutes.
• Place the geechee sauce on the plate and put catfish fillets on top of that. Add another ladle of geechee sauce and put Sauteed okra on top.
• Sweat the peppers, celery, and onion in bacon fat until the onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper. Add red wine and reduce by 1/3. Add tomato and stock. Whisk in roux and peanut butter. Check seasoning. Let simmer for 30 minutes.
• Melt the butter in a saute pan. When the butter is melted, add the flour and stir to combine. Cook slowly over low heat, stirring constantly, until the roux gets dark brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Don't rush it or the roux could burn and become bitter tasting.

CORNMEAL CRUSTED CATFISH WITH GRILLED TOMATO AND SWEET ONION SALAD

Steps:

• Season the tomatoes and onions with salt and pepper on both sides. Brush the tomatoes and onions with canola oil on both sides. Place tomatoes and onions on a hot grill and grill for 3 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and coarsely chop. Place in a bowl and add balsamic vinegar and thyme. Check for seasoning. Set aside.
• In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Lightly dredge the catfish fillets in the cornmeal, pressing lightly to make the cornmeal stick well. Place a saute pan on the grill and heat. When the pan is hot, add 3 tablespoons of canola oil and heat. Place the catfish in the pan, and pan fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until the cornmeal is golden brown. Serve the catfish with the grilled tomato and onion salad.

CORNMEAL CRUSTED OVEN FRIED CATFISH (WW CORE)

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• In a shallow bowl combine the cornmeal with all the powdered spices listed. In a second bowl add the milk and hot sauce (if desired).
• Dredge the cleaned catfish fillets in the milk, then dip into the cornmeal coating on both sides. You may need to press down a bit to make sure the cornmeal adheres to the fish.
• Place the coated fillets on the baking sheet and give the tops a light shot of cooking spray for crispness.
• Bake for 15 minutes, until cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool for a minute before serving.
• Plate with 1/4 asparagus and a lemon wedge.

SPICY CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• On a baking sheet, mix together cornmeal, paprika, cumin, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Dredge fish in cornmeal mixture, turning to coat both sides.
• In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat. Place 2 catfish fillets in the skillet, skin side up. Cook until crust is browned and fish is firm, 6 to 8 minutes on each side. If crust is starting to turn too brown, reduce heat. Transfer fish to a plate; keep warm. Wipe out skillet with a paper towel. Repeat with remaining oil and fish.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH FILLETS

Steps:

• Combine cornmeal, flour and salt on large plate. Brush catfish fillets with Tabasco sauce. Press fish into cornmeal mixture to coat well on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter in 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add fillets and cook 4 minutes. With spatula, carefully turn fish. Add remaining oil and butter. Cook 4 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Garnish with lemon wedges.