Daily Archives: September 3, 2010

Cajun Baked Catfish

Another Fresh Seafood Idea

Once passed over because of their muddy, oily taste, today’s catfish have a new image. Farm-raised, they are fed a grain diet which ensures a mild, “non-fishy” flavor. They are so mild, in fact, that they often need more seasonings than some other fish.  

Catfish are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Try grilling, broiling, baking, stir-frying or other favorite cooking methods. And of course there are always the traditional delicious fried catfish recipes. 

Flaky and moist, mild-flavored catfish can be substituted for most white-fleshed fish in recipes. 

A typical 3 ½-ounce serving is low in calories, fat and cholesterol and high in protein.  

Also included is our recipe for tartar sauce, which we think is just about the best.  

  • 6 small catfish fillets
  • 3 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves

In small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne and thyme. Place fish in lightly greased baking dish. Brush tops with margarine. Sprinkle with seasoning mix. Bake at 450 F until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 6 to 8 minutes.  

Tartar Sauce:   

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • ½ cup finely chopped dill pickle
  • 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • chopped pulp from ½ lemon
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Mix all ingredients together. Chill thoroughly before serving. Makes about 1 cup.  

From: Mariner’s Menu: 30 Years of Fresh Seafood Ideas.  

Contributed by Joyce Taylor

Catfish – A Carolina Classic!

HOW TO SELECT, HANDLE, CLEAN AND STORE SEAFOOD

Catfish products are sold by processors to institutional and retail markets. The majority of catfish products are packaged and delivered fresh (ice packed), individually quick frozen (IQF) or chill packed.

The traditional product form of processed catfish is the whole dressed fish. This is a catfish that has been headed, gutted and skinned (HGS). However, a growing percentage of sales are generated when the dressed fish is further processed into a variety of cuts or forms, including:

  • regular fillets
  • shank fillets (regular fillet with the belly flap or nugget removed)
  • fillet strips
  • nuggets (belly flaps and other fillet trim)
  • steaks

During the latter part of the 1980s, specialty products made their way into the marketplace. Whole dressed catfish and fillets, coated or marinated with flavors and spices such as lemon-butter, Cajun and mesquite, can be found in the seafood section of grocery stores.

For more information, go to Carolina Classics Catfish or the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center.

Contributed by David Green