Fried Catfish Po Boys Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Fill a large Dutch oven halfway with oil. Heat to 350 degrees F over medium heat. Line a baking sheet with a wire cooling rack.
• Sprinkle the catfish with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning. Set up a breading station with 3 shallow dishes. In the first dish, season the flour with the remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Lightly beat the egg in the second dish. Mix the breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt in the last dish. Bread the fillets in the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs, allowing the excess from each to drip off. Carefully slip them into the hot oil and fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove to the cooling rack. Place 2 slices of American cheese on each piece of fish and put in the oven until the cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the mayonnaise, tartar sauce, chives, capers, Dijon and sriracha in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. In another bowl, toss the lettuce with the red wine vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the sauce on both halves of the hoagie. Layer the bottom bun with pickles, tomatoes, fish, lettuce and assorted chips. Top with the other half of the bun.

Steps:

• Pour about 3 inches of oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy pot and heat to 375 degrees F. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the smashed garlic and swirl the pot around to infuse the garlic flavor into the butter. Slice the French bread in 1/2 lengthwise and brush the top and insides with the garlic butter. Stick the bread in the oven for 5 minutes to warm it through.
• Season both sides of the catfish fillets with a fair amount of salt and pepper. In a wide bowl, mix the milk and egg together, season with salt and pepper. Mix the cornmeal, flour, cayenne, salt and pepper in a pie dish using a fork. Dip the catfish in the wet batter, then dredge in the dry; being sure to cover the fillets completely. Gently drop the fish in the hot oil in batches so the pan is not overcrowded. Fry the fillets for 3 minutes and then drain on a platter lined with paper towels; sprinkle with salt while they are still hot.
• To assemble the sandwich, put the pickles across the bottom 1/2 of the bread, lay the fried catfish on top. Spoon a small mound of slaw on top of the catfish and close up the sandwich with the top 1/2 of the bread. Cut into portions and serve immediately with hot sauce and lemon on the side.
• Combine the cabbage, carrot, red onion, green onions, and chile in a large bowl.
• In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, and sugar; stirring to incorporate. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently to mix. Season the cole slaw with celery seed, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Chill for 2 hours in refrigerator while frying the catfish.

Steps:

• For the remoulade: Combine the celeriac, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, capers, scallion, anchovy, hot sauce, garlic and lemon juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
• For the fried catfish: In a large heavy skillet, heat the oil to 365 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
• Set up 3 pans. In the first, mix 1/2 cup of the flour and some salt and pepper. In the second, mix the milk and the hot sauce. In the third, mix the remaining 1/2 cup flour and the cornmeal and cornstarch; season with salt and pepper
• Dredge the catfish fillets first through the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dredge in the milk mixture, again shaking off the excess. Finally, dredge the catfish in the cornmeal mixture, making sure the fillets are completely coated. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Carefully slide the breaded fillets into the hot oil and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
• Assemble the sandwich: Spread the cut sides of the baguettes with remoulade. Layer with sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce and a catfish fillet. Chow down!