Catfish Lafitte Recipes

CATFISH LAFITTE

Steps:

• Combine eggs and milk in mixing bowl; stir until thoroughly blended.
• Combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper in shallow dish, stirring well to mix. (I would suggest using 1/4 teaspoons red pepper if you're a wimp and 3/4 teaspoons if you're very bold. :) ).
• Pour enough oil into a Dutch oven or electric skillet to reach a depth of 3 inches; heat to 360 degrees F.
• Rinse catfish fillets; pat dry with paper towels.
• Dredge fillets in flour mixture; dip in milk mixture to coat thoroughly; dredge in flour mixture a second time.
• When oil reaches correct temperature, add catfish; deep-fry approximately 6 minutes, until golden-brown. (If done, fish should flake easily when scraped with the tines of a fork.).
• Drain catfish on paper towels to absorb excess grease; keep warm (microwave is good).
• Meanwhile, melt butter in large skillet over medium heat.
• Add shrimp and garlic; cook, stirring often, approximately 3 to 5 minutes, until shrimp are pink and done.
• Remove shrimp and set aside; add vermouth to drippings in skillet.
• Stir well to incorporate vermouth; bring to a boil; allow mixture to boil for 1 minute.
• Add whipping cream, 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, lemon juice, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining red pepper (again, add or subtract depending on how spicy you like your food); cook, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens (approx. 12-15 minutes).
• To assemble, place one fried catfish fillet on each plate; drizzle with equal amounts of Cajun cream sauce; top with cooked shrimp and strips of ham; sprinkle with remaining sliced green onion; garnish with lemon wedges to squeeze on top.

CATFISH FILLETS IN WHITE WINE SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Pat the catfish pieces dry. Rub a baking dish (a dish measuring about 2 by 13 by 8 inches is ideal) with one tablespoon of the butter. Arrange the fillets over the buttered dish in one layer.
• Add the wine. Scatter the mushrooms over all and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Place in the oven and bake 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a saucepan and add the flour, stirring with a wire whisk. Add the milk, stirring with the whisk. When blended and smooth, remove from the heat.
• Pour the liquid from the baked fish into the sauce, stirring. Bring to the boil and cook, stirring often, about five minutes. Stir in the lemon juice. Pour the sauce over the fish and bake 10 minutes longer. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve hot.