Warm Catfish Salad Food

CRISPY CATFISH AND GREEN MANGO SALAD (YUM PLA DOOK FOO)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place catfish on a baking sheet.
• Roast in the preheated oven until flesh is opaque, 10 to 15 minutes. Flake into large pieces with a fork. Lay the flaked fish out on a plate to dry.
• Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry fish in batches until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Try not to break up the fish too much in the pan.
• Toss mango, shallots, cilantro, green onions, peanuts, fish sauce, lime juice, Thai chiles, and sugar together in a large bowl. Toss in crispy catfish at the very last minute. Check the seasoning; the salad should taste sour, hot, and salty, with a slight sweetness at the end.

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.

SMOKED CATFISH SALAD

Steps:

• Place wood shavings in center of smoker; top with drip pan and rack. Add catfish, leaving enough room between fillets so smoke can circulate. Place on stove over medium heat and smoke for 20 to 25 minutes. Shut off heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Catfish should be fully cooked and bronzed, with crisp edges.
• While fillets are still warm, break them into pieces in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Taste for seasoning, adding more sour cream if too dry. Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve cool.