Cajun Compromise Catfish

A fast, tasty, spicy fried fish recipe which can be adjusted to suit the cook's (or diner's) preference. I call it Cajun Compromise because the spice level is the result of a compromise between my wife and I. It can be served with tartar sauce for the timid, or hot sauce for the not-so-timid. Great for appetizers or a main dish.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 448 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 cup milk, or as needed
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• ¼ cup oil for frying, or as needed
• 2 teaspoons ground mustard
• 2 pounds catfish fillets, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1 dash pepper sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot®) (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Soak the fish pieces in milk for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and hot pepper sauce. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cornmeal, pepper, mustard and Cajun seasoning. Dip fish pieces into the dry mixture, then into the egg, then back into the dry mix. Set on a plate in the refrigerator and chill for about 15 minutes. This will help the batter stick to the fish.

Step 3

Heat more than enough oil to cover the bottom of a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Fry fish pieces for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Depending on how much and what kind of Cajun seasoning you used, some of the breading may get darker than the rest.

Step 4

Drain the fish on paper towels and serve with hot sauce or tartar sauce. Enjoy!