Category
Catfish
Servings
4
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
If you are looking for a delicious, easy fried catfish recipe, you are in the right place! Our pan-fried catfish puts a spin on traditional fried catfish and uses no cornmeal. In this easy recipe, our fresh catfish fillets are pan-fried in a bit of butter to bring out the fish's natural sweetness. Served with a hearty and flavorful side of lentils for a delicious healthy meal that is naturally gluten-free with little effort!
Ingredients
3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup pancetta, finely diced
2 scallions, green tops only, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup green lentils
2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 lemon, ½ juiced, ½ cut into wedges
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4 fresh catfish fillets
1 Tablespoon butter, cubed
⅓ cup fresh thyme
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Heat 1 Tablespoon oil in a large saucepan set over medium heat.
Add the pancetta and sauté until golden, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
Add the scallion, garlic, and a pinch of salt; sauté until the scallions have softened, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the lentils and stock.
Bring to a boil over high heat; once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook until the lentils are tender, skimming away any scum that rises to the surface, 25-30 minutes.
When ready, stir in the lemon juice and some salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm off the heat.
Preheat a large skillet over moderate heat. Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels; season both sides with salt and pepper.
When the skillet is ready, add the remaining 2 Tablespoons oil. Carefully position the catfish fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and pan-fry until the skin is golden underneath and the flesh is starting to turn opaque, about 3 minutes. Flip the fillets and add the butter to the skillet; cook until the flesh is opaque, basting with the melted butter, 2-3 minutes.
Reheat the lentils if necessary. Divide the lentils and catfish between plates; garnish with lemon wedges and thyme.