Choctaw Catfish Recipes

SAVANNAH RIVER CATFISH STEW

Steps:

• Line a plate with paper towels; in a saucepan, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp, about 5 minutes; using slotted spoon, remove the bacon to prepared plate to drain.
• Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.
• Add in onion and potatoes to saucepan; cook/stir often, until golden, 5-7 minutes.
• Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat and combine.
• Stir in the water and milk; add the thyme, bay leaf, and cajun seasoning; bring to a boil over high heat.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are just tender, about 15 minutes.
• Add in the catfish; simmer, uncovered, until the fish is falling apart, an additional 15-20 minutes.
• Remove the thyme and bay leaf; discard.
• Add in the parsley; stir to combine.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning.
• Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with reserved bacon.

CAJUN BLACKENED CATFISH

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl, mix together the black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, oregano, and thyme until thoroughly combined. Press the catfish fillets into the spice mixture to thoroughly coat.
• Arrange a portable heat source outdoors, such as a butane burner or side burner of a gas grill. Melt butter in a glass or metal bowl. Light the burner, and place a large cast-iron skillet onto the burner over high heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of melted butter into the skillet; set remaining 1/2 cup of butter aside.
• When the butter in the skillet is smoking hot, lay the catfish fillets into the skillet. Cook until the spices are burned onto the fillets and the catfish is opaque and flaky inside, about 3 minutes per side. Don't breathe smoke from burning spices. To serve, pour remaining 1/2 cup of butter over the catfish.