Catfish Piccata

Mississippi is home to a plethora of catfish with a variety of different species. Some of my fondest memories growing up involved afternoons catfishing. On bountiful evenings, we would clean our catch and have a fish fry. Not only are catfish fun and relatively easy to catch, but they also make for excellent table fare. 

With a mild flavor and flaky texture, catfish is a great fish to use for a multitude of recipes. Fried catfish will always hold a special place in my heart and stomach, but elevating this Bayou King into a show stopping dish is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. So, get out this afternoon, sink a line, catch a mess of catfish and try out this awesome Catfish Piccata recipe! 

Happy Fishing, 

– Recreational Chef

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 Catfish Fillets 
• 1/2 Cup Flour 
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 Juiced Lemon
• 2 Tablespoons Capers
• 2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic
• 1 Tablespoon Parsley 
• 2 Tablespoons Caper Brine
• 1/8 Cup of White Wine
• 1/8 Cup of Vegetable Stock

PREPARATION: Serves 4

1. Season the catfish fillets with salt and pepper on each side. Once seasoned, dredge the catfish in the flour and shake off any excess. The catfish should have a light coating of flour. 
2. Heat a 9-inch cast iron pan to medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. When the butter and olive oil are melted and bubbly, add the catfish fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. 
3. In the same pan, once the fish is cooked and removed, add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until softened. 
4. Once the garlic is softened, add the white wine, lemon juice, caper juice, capers and stock. Cook for approximately 5-10 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.
5. Once the liquid is reduced by half, remove from heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of parsley. Stir until the butter is incorporated into the sauce.    
6. Place the fish on a plate and drench in the piccata sauce.