Author Archives: Joyce Taylor

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

Simply Grilled Wahoo

Another Fresh Seafood Idea

Wahoo fish is called ONO in Hawaii. ONO means “delicious.” And its delicate, white flesh is just that—delicious.

Grilling seems to be everyone’s favorite cooking method for wahoo.

Last week, with Barry at the charcoal grill, we cooked some wahoo. Simply prepared, with a touch of fresh lime and some smoked paprika, it scored a perfect “5’ on our rating scale of 1 – 5.

  • 1 ½ pounds wahoo steaks
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • ½ tablespoon smoked paprika (Pimentón)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In small bowl, combine butter, lime juice, zest, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.

Place fish in baking dish. Cover both sides with marinade. Cover and refrigerate 20 minutes.

Place fish in well-oiled hinged wire grill. Cook about 4 inches from heat until done on one side, about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn and repeat on other side.

Contributed by Joyce Taylor

Breaded Triggerfish

ANOTHER FRESH SEAFOOD IDEA

Many species of triggerfish are brightly colored with patterns of varying shapes. But the one we most commonly see from Florida to Massachusetts is the gray triggerfish.

The gray triggerfish’s firm, white meat is excellent cooked in some of your favorite ways–fried, baked, broiled and in chowders. It is also delicious when smoked.

This recipe is basic and easy.

  • 2 pounds triggerfish, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 ½ cups fresh French bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • ¼ cup margarine or butter

In medium bowl, beat eggs with water, salt and pepper. Place flour in shallow dish. Dredge fish in flour. Dip into egg mixture and let excess drain off. Coat with bread crumbs.

Heat oil in large skillet to 375 F. Add margarine and melt. Place part of fish in skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook until golden brown on one side, about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn and repeat on other side. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining fish. Serves 8 to 10

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

Contributed by Joyce Taylor.

Sometimes It’s O.K. to Fry Seafood

METHODS OF PREPARATION

“Frying” has almost become a dirty word in recent years, and much of the criticism is deserved. We know that grease-laden foods add fat and calories we do not need. But remember that our bodies need some fat. The problem is that we eat too much of it.

Obviously, frying adds some fat and calories. But many of these calories and much of the fat added to fried seafood result from improper cooking. Cooked quickly and with very little oil, fried fish and shellfish can be surprisingly light and tasteful.

The keys to good frying are proper temperature and fast cooking. The ideal temperature for frying fish is 375 F. With cooler oil, the food absorbs too much fat and the fish becomes soggy. If the oil is too hot, the fish may brown too quickly and burn. Also, most oils begin to smoke when they reach 400 F.

Oil, a combination of oil and margarine (or butter), or clarified butter can be used for frying. Most vegetable oils work fine. We almost always use oil and butter combined. If you try it, you’ll notice a significant increase in flavor.

Seafood Frying Tips:

Oil should reach 375 F before adding fish. If using a deep-fryer, check the thermostat for accuracy with a cooking thermometer. Or drop a one-inch cube of bread into the oil. It should brown in 30 to 45 seconds.

Fry only a small amount of fish at a time so that the temperature remains constant. If it drops, allow it to return to 375 F before adding the next batch.

The high temperature will quickly form a crust that will seal in the juices and prevent the food from soaking up oil.

Seafood is done when golden brown. Remove from the oil immediately and drain on paper towels. Be careful not to overcook or the food will dry out. A minute can make a difference. It’s like that steak on the grill—give it just a few more seconds and it’s overdone.

Lean, firm fish such as flounder are more suitable for frying than fatty ones. Oily fish such as salmon are too rich in flavor to fry; they will probably taste too strong.

Thin fillets and dressed fish no more than three-fourths of an inch fry better than large or thick pieces.

The term “frying” includes pan-frying, deep-frying, sautéing and stir-frying. The methods are different for each.

Almost all seafood can be fried. If you enjoy fried seafood—and most of us do—it can be part of a healthy diet. By regularly limiting the amount of fat and calories in our diet, we can occasionally select and enjoy fried fish and shellfish. As with many other things in life, moderation is the key.

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

Contributed by Joyce Taylor