Spicy Peanut-Encrusted Catfish from Christine Cooks. I thought the flavors would go well on the flavorful barracuda DH had caught last month off Marina del Rey. DH loves Cajun food, and I don’t make it often because I’m not too enamored of the seasonings. But this recipe sounded pretty good, and DH LOVED it! I’ll definitely be making it again for him.
Spicy Peanut-Encrusted Catfish
from Christine Cooks
3 catfish fillets (I used barracuda)
1 c dry-roasted, salt-free peanuts, chopped fine
2 T blackening spice (see below)
2 T olive oil or peanut oil
1/2 c Eggbeaters or other egg substitute, or 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and have a baking sheet ready. Blot fillets with paper towels until thoroughly dry. Set aside.With a chef's knife, chop the peanuts until they're in very fine pieces. You could use a small food processor but I like to chop such a small amount with my knife, avoiding the possibility of turning them into peanut butter. Combine the chopped peanuts and the blackening spice and place on a flat plate. Pour the eggs or egg substitute into a wide bowl. Heat a cast iron skillet to medium and add the oil. The oil should just shimmer in the pan, not smoke, or you could burn the peanuts (hmmm, how do I know that...?). Dip a fillet into the eggs to coat then into the peanut mixture, coating both sides and pressing lightly to make the peanut pieces adhere. Repeat with the remaining fillets. Place in the hot skillet and, keeping them from crowding each other, saute for about 5 minutes on one side then flip and saute the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove fillets to a baking sheet and place in a 400 degree oven to finish - about 5 minutes more.
Blackening Spice
from Christine Cooks
5 T kosher salt
5 T paprika (I used sweet)
1 T dried thyme
1 T freshly ground black pepper
1 T garlic powder
1/2 t cayenne
1/2 t ground white pepper
Mix it all up and store in an airtight container.
Our side dish with the fish was onion rings, since I didn’t want to have potatoes, nor did I want to do anything difficult. These onion rings are fat-free, crispy, and ready in 20 minutes.
Baked Onion Rings
2 large sweet onions
2 eggs
1 1/2 c crushed cornflakes
2 t sugar
1 t paprika
1/4 t garlic salt
1/4 t seasoned salt
Cut onions into 1/2-inch slices; separate into rings. In a shallow dish, whisk eggs. In another shallow dish, combine the remaining ingredients. Dip onion rings into eggs, then coat with cornflake mixture. Arrange rings in a single layer on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375˚ for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
food & drink
5 comments:
Looks incredible!!
The fish looks great. Cajun is my favorite way to do fish. Thanks for the ideas.
Thanks so much for the links Cyndi! Glad you enjoyed the recipe. I've never had barracuda. You say DH caught it off of Marina del Rey? California?
Holy smokes! what does barracuda taste like? (I assume like catfish but you never know )
Christine - yes, California. Four times a year I go to the California Teachers Association State Council Meeting at a hotel next to LAX, about 4 miles from Marina del Rey. After our dog died we became true "empty nesters" and DH started going with me to St. Council. He loves to fish, so on Saturdays, while I'm in my all-day meetings, he goes out on an open boat at MdR - only $45. The first time was in June, and he brought home 30 pounds of barracuda fillets.
Nerissa - I shamefully admit that I have an UNsophisticated palate when it comes to ocean fish - they all taste the same to me. The white-meat ones, that is. I don't care for salmon. DH also knows to not bring home any trout or bass when he goes fishing in the streams or lakes.
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