CATFISH FILLET RECIPES

Steps:

• The fillets should be at room temperature. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over very high heat until it is beyond the smoking stage and you see white ash in the skillet bottom, at least for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, pour 2 tablespoons melted butter in each of 6 small ramekins; set aside and keep warm. Reserve the remaining butter. Heat the serving plates in a 250-degree oven. Dip each fillet in the reserved melted butter so that both sides are well coated. Then, mix thoroughly all the spices for blackening mixture and sprinkle the Blackening Spice Mixture generously and evenly on both sides of the fillets. Place 1 or 2 fillets in skillet and cook uncovered over very high heat until the underside becomes deep brown, almost black (but not burned), about 2 minutes (the time may vary according to the fillet's thickness and the heat of the skillet). Turn the fish over and pour 1 teaspoon of butter on top of each. Cook until fish is done, about 2 minutes more. Repeat with remaining fillets. Serve each fillet while hot. To serve, place 1 fillet and a ramekin of butter on each plate.

Steps:

• In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add catfish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours.
• In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, and celery seeds, if using. Season with salt and pepper. Add cabbage and carrots and toss until well coated in the dressing. Season to taste with more salt and pepper, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
• In a large shallow bowl, whisk to combine cornmeal, flour, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Remove one catfish fillet from buttermilk mixture and lightly shake to remove excess buttermilk. Coat in cornmeal mixture and place on a large plate. Repeat with additional fillet.
• Fill a 12” high-sided skillet with oil (it should come up about halfway), and line a large plate with paper towels. Heat over medium until oil reaches 350°, then fry catfish until golden and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to the paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.
• To serve, add a scoop of slaw and rice to each plate and top with catfish. Drizzle fillets with katsu and tartar sauce.