BLACKENED CATFISH CREOLE STYLE (SALLYE)

BLACKENED CATFISH CREOLE STYLE (SALLYE) image

Instead of pan frying my catfish I bought yesterday, I created and used this recipe to cook it. It turned out really great. If you like Creole cooking and catfish, this is a perfect blend sure to please you. Bonus: It is heathier for you than fried fish. Hope you try it.

Provided by sallye bates

Categories Fish

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

4 medium catfish filets, skin removed
1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp garlic powder or granules
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp kosher or coarse sea salt
1/2 c melted butter
2 Tbsp tequila
1 dash(es) liquid smoke (optional0
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced

Steps:

1. Rinse the catfish fillets and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Place the spices in a spice or coffee grinder and grind until they are powdery. Let set for a minute until dust settles.
3. Line a cooking sheet or dish with foil or parchment paper. .
4. Place butter in microwave for 10-15 seconds, just long enough to melt. Remove from microwave and add the tequila, liquid smoke (optional), and spices to the butter, and whisk until well blended.
5. Heavily coat each fillet on all sides with the butter/spice mixture. Place each coated fillet on the sheet. Place in fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking.
6. Place cast iron skillet on medium high heat. When skillet is smoking hot, carefully slide the fillets into the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Flip the fish carefully with a wide spatula to keep it from falling apart.
7. IMPORTANT: DO NOT TRY TO FLIP THE FISH IF IT IS STILL STICKING TO THE SKILLET. IT WILL RELEASE WHEN IT IS READY TO BE TURNED.
8. !!! SMOKE ALARM ALERT !!! IF YOU DON'T TURN YOUR VENT FAN ON AND OPEN A WINDOW, YOUR SMOKE ALARM WILL PROBABLY SCREAM AT YOU. IF YOU HAVE A SMALL FAN, YOU MIGHT WANT TO TURN IT ON TO ALSO DEFLECT SOME OF THE HEAT AND SMOKE.
9. Additional note: You can use this same recipe to broil this fish in your oven. Same instructions apply, cook each side under broiler for -4 minutes, turning once. .
10. Serve immediately with your choice of sides. Garnish with lemon slices https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/dip/tartar-sauce.html?p=67 https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/dressing/cocktail-sauce-by-sallye.html?p=64