Skillet Fried Catfish With Herb Tartar Sauce Recipes

SKILLET-FRIED CATFISH WITH HERB TARTAR SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with a brown paper bag.
• Rinse the catfish and pat dry. Slice each fillet lengthwise into 3 long strips and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Combine the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce in a shallow bowl and stir to mix. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and cayenne, season with salt and black pepper, and stir to mix.
• Pour canola oil into a large skillet about 1/4 inch deep and place over medium-high heat until sizzling hot (see Know-how, page 100).
• Dip each piece of fish in the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture to evenly coat both sides, shaking off any excess flour. Without overcrowding the skillet-you may need to fry in batches-place the fish in the hot oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning only once, until golden brown and crispy. If the fish is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium.
• Remove the fish from the skillet and drain on the lined baking sheet. Place the pan in the oven to keep warm while you fry the remaining fish, adding more oil to the skillet if needed. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired, and serve hot with Herb Tartar Sauce, raw onion, and lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish.
• Make it a party with Squash Puppies (page 65), Creamy Potato Salad (page 266), and Spring Coleslaw with Fresh Herbs and Light Honey Citrus Vinaigrette (page 258).

SPICY CATFISH TENDERS WITH CAJUN TARTAR SAUCE

Steps:

• Prepare fish:
• Whisk together egg and hot sauce in a wide shallow dish. Stir in fish strips and let stand at room temperature at least 10 and up to 30 minutes.
• Pour enough oil into a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot to measure 2 inches and heat over moderate heat until thermometer registers 350°F.
• Stir together flour, cornmeal, salt, and Cajun seasoning in another wide shallow dish.
• Make tartar sauce:
• Stir together all sauce ingredients in a bowl and chill, covered, until ready to serve.
• Fry fish:
• Drain fish well in a colander. Dredge one fourth of fish in flour mixture, shaking off excess, then transfer to oil and fry, stirring occasionally with a slotted spoon, until golden and just cooked through, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Transfer with slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Return oil to 350°F. Repeat procedure with remaining fish strips in 3 batches.
• Serve fish tenders hot with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
• *Available for order: BlueChef (bluechef.com), The Spice Hunter (800-444-3016), and Mc Cormick (AASpices.com).