Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish with Cajun Seasoning and Spicy Tartar Sauce
By: Pamela Steed Hill
Published: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 5:19am

Ingredients




For the Catfish
1 large egg
1 tbsp milk
1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tsp chile powder
1/2 tsp cayenne powder
1/2 tsp hot smoked paprika
1/2 tsp granulated garlic
4 5-oz. skinless catfish filets
3 tbsp olive oil
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
For the Tartar Sauce
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickle
1 tbsp finely chopped jalapeno chile
1 tbsp finely chopped scallion (white and green parts)
1 tsp dill pickle juice
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1 Whisk the egg and milk in a medium bowl. Combine the cornmeal, chile powder, cayenne powder, paprika, and garlic in a large zip-top bag. 2 Dip each catfish filet in the egg mixture. Let excess egg drip off and place the filets in the bag with the cornmeal mixture. Zip the top and shake the bag until all pieces are well coated. 3 Remove the filets and lay side by side on a plate (do not overlap). Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. (Refrigeration helps keep the crust adhered during cooking.) 4 While the fish chills, make the sauce. Whisk the first 6 ingredients (through lemon juice) in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. 5 Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot (but not smoking), season the catfish filets with salt and pepper and add to the skillet. Fry until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. 6 Divide the fish among 4 plates and top each with a dollop of tartar sauce or pass the sauce at the table.

About

Spicy, crunchy, and loaded with flavor, these catfish filets cook quickly in only 3 tablespoons of oil—no deep-frying required. Add a dollop of creamy, slightly spicy tartar sauce for a delicious finish.