Sometimes my husband and I get frustrated/disappointed when we are out fishing for our coveted Walleye, Crappie or Bass and we reel in a catfish. Once we started making these cakes we changed our minds! Now every time we catch one and are disappointed I have to say, “Good Eats” to remind both of us how good catfish are to eat.
Catfish cakes and Corn/Avocado Salsa recipe:
Cakes:
1lb Catfish, 1C. finely chopped red bell pepper, 1 garlic clove – minced, 1/4C. thinly sliced green onion, 3T. reduced fat mayo, 1/2 tsp. hot sauce, 1/2 tsp. sugar, 1T. lime juice, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1 Lg. egg, 1/4 C. finely chopped cilantro, 3/4 C. Panko (Japanese bread crumbs) – Divided
1). Steam Fish (I put water in a frying pan with a grate over top with fish on it and the lid on top) maybe 5 minutes
2). Place fish in a food processor until finely chopped – set aside.
3). Saute bell pepper in cooking spray (We like to use the pump it yourself Misto brand spray) over medium heat (3 min) add garlic (1 min) Remove>put in bowl>add fish, green onions and next 6 ingredients (through egg) STIR WELL. >stir in cilantro and 1/4C. panko bread crumbs.
4). Divide into patties (1/2 inch thick) dredge both sides in 1/2C. panko bread crumbs **CHILL AT LEAST 1 HOUR**
5). Heat pan to medium add cooking spray and 5 cakes. Cook 4 minutes on each side or until browned – serve warm. Repeat. These freeze well, we cook and freeze in a vacuum sealed bag single layer, then when ready to eat, thaw and lightly brown in a frying pan.
Corn/Avocado Salsa:
1 Can WHITE sweet corn, 1 avocado peeled and diced, 1/4C. chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 red onion finely chopped (can sub green onion for a less strong raw onion flavor), 2T. finely chopped seeded poblano pepper, Fresh lime juice – can use half or whole depending on taste, 1/4 tsp. salt.
Combine all ingredients – stir very gently, avocados are fragile fruit! This also freezes well, I do smaller quantities and then add fresh avocado when I thaw. Enjoy!!!
