Grilled Catfish Tacos Recipes

Steps:

• Coat a grill rack with oil and preheat the grill on high for 5 minutes.
• Place the blackening seasoning in a shallow baking dish. Roll the catfish in the seasoning until well coated. Reduce the grill to medium-high, and grill the onions over direct heat until well browned and wilting, turning once, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, grill the fish over direct heat until cooked through, turning once, about 6 minutes. At the same time, place the tortillas directly on the grill for 1 minute per side. Stack the tortillas and wrap them in foil or a clean towel to keep warm.
• Arrange the fish on a plate, and flake into bite-size pieces with a fork. Transfer the onions to a separate plate. Place the tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, lime wedges and cilantro in separate bowls. Set out with the warm tortillas and hot sauce, and invite guests to make their own tacos.

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
• Toss the cabbage with 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
• Stir the yogurt, lime zest, lime juice and cayenne pepper together in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Brush the fillets all over with oil and season generously with salt and pepper and then with the spice rub. Lay the fish on the grill and cook, undisturbed, until you see distinct grill marks and can lift the fish without it sticking, 5 to 6 minutes. Test it by gently lifting a corner?if it sticks, cook it a bit longer. Turn the fish over and cook until firm to the touch, about 5 minutes more.
• Microwave or steam tortillas until warm, or grill until slightly charred but still pliable. Fill each tortilla with 1/2 a fish filet, a sprig of cilantro and some cabbage. Drizzle with the yogurt sauce and hot sauce if using. Serve with lime wedges.

Steps:

• For the catfish: Whisk together the buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of the seafood seasoning, 1 teaspoon of the chipotle and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the fish, cover and let soak, refrigerated, for 10 to 15 minutes.
• For the fiesta slaw: While the fish is soaking, whisk together the mayonnaise, crema, lime juice, paprika, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Add the cabbages, cilantro, carrots and green onions and toss to coat.
• Whisk together the cornmeal, flour and remaining 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning and 1 teaspoon chipotle in a shallow dish or paper bag. Drain the catfish, shaking off any remaining marinade (discard the remaining marinade). Place 3 to 4 pieces of fish in the cornmeal mixture and shake/flip until they are coated. Remove the fish to a clean plate or baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining fish.
• Add about 1 inch of canola oil to a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and heat to about 375 degrees F.
• Add the fish to the skillet a few pieces at a time. Fry on each side until golden brown all over, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to a baking sheet with a cooling rack. Repeat with the remaining fish.
• Toast the tortillas in a cast-iron skillet or over an open flame. Add 2 pieces of fish to each tortilla and top with the fiesta slaw. Serve with lime wedges, cilantro and red onions.

Steps:

• For the slaw: Whisk the lime juice, oil, honey, and salt together in a bowl. Add the green and red cabbage, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, and toss to combine. Cover with plastic wrap, and let the bowl chill in the fridge for 1 hour, so the flavors can develop.
• For the chipotle mayo: Blend the mayonnaise, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and honey in a food processor until smooth. Remove from processor, and set aside until ready to serve.
• For the catfish: Heat 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 375 degrees F. (For tips on deep-frying, see page 19.)
• Slice the catfish into 1-inch-thick fingers on a diagonal, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce on a rimmed plate. Stir together the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper on another rimmed plate, and season with salt and pepper. Working in batches, dip the catfish into the buttermilk batter, then dredge it through the cornmeal mixture, shaking off the excess.
• When the oil is hot, gently drop the catfish into the Dutch oven and fry until golden brown, working in batches, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Remove to a paper-towel-lined sheet tray when done, and immediately season with salt and pepper.
• Place the tortillas on a plate, and wrap the plate with damp paper towels. Microwave on high for 45 seconds. (Alternatively, if you have a gas stove, turn the heat to medium and place a corn tortilla directly over the flame, to toast for about 15 seconds on each side. This will soften the tortilla and give it a delicious smoky flavor.)
• To assemble the tacos, place a generous portion of fried catfish onto the center of a warmed tortilla. Top with the crunchy slaw, and top with chipotle mayonnaise. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
• ALTERNATIVE: GRILLED CATFISH
• Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Slice the catfish into 1-inch-thick fingers on the diagonal. Brush with a few tablespoons olive oil on each side, and season with salt and pepper.
• Grill the catfish 2 to 3 minutes per side. Assemble the tacos as directed.