Queso Catfish

Crisply breaded catfish is roasted in the oven, and served with a chipotle cheese sauce. A deliciously crunchy and spicy way to serve catfish inspired by a similar dish I had in Beaumont, TX.

• Preparation Time: 40 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 442 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• ¼ cup yellow cornmeal
• ¼ cup lime juice
• 4 (6 ounce) fillets catfish
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (Optional)
• ½ cup cheap beer
• 1 cup finely crushed tortilla chips
• 4 ounces processed cheese, cubed
• ½ chipotle pepper, minced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a shallow dish, stir together 1/4 cup of lime juice and beer. Place fish in the dish, and turn to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Coat a roasting rack with cooking spray, and place over a baking sheet.

Step 3

Rinse fish with cold water, and pat dry. Discard the marinade. In one dish, stir together the cornmeal, tortilla chip crumbs, salt and pepper. In another dish, stir together 2 tablespoons of lime juice and canola oil. Dip fillets into the lime and oil, then into the cornmeal mixture to coat. Place the fish onto the roasting rack.

Step 4

Bake fish for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. While the fish is baking, combine the processed cheese, chili powder, cumin, and chipotle pepper in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 5

Place fish onto serving plates, and spoon the cheese sauce over them. Top with a sprinkling of cilantro leaves, if desired.