Broiled Catfish with Mustard-Dill Sauce

Broiled Catfish with Mustard-Dill Sauce Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Broiled Catfish with Mustard-Dill Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The combination of tender catfish fillets with a creamy mustard-dill sauce is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Catfish is a popular choice for cooking due to its mild flavor and versatility in the kitchen. The addition of the tangy mustard-dill sauce adds a unique and delicious flavor profile to the dish.

Ingredients

Catfish

4 U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets
0.5 tsp garlic salt
0.5 tsp lemon pepper

Mustard-dill sauce

2 tbsp butter or margarine
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1.25 cups milk
0.25 cup chopped parsley
0.25 cup chopped fresh dill or 1 tsp dried dillweed
3 tbsp dijon mustard
0.25 tsp salt

How to prepare

Sprinkle the catfish with garlic salt and lemon pepper.
Preheat the broiler.
Place the catfish on the greased rack of an unheated broiler pan.
Tuck under any thin edges.
Broil the catfish 3 inches from the heat for 4 to 6 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.

Mustard-dill sauce

Melt the butter or margarine in a small saucepan.
Stir in the flour.
Add the milk all at once.
Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
Cook and stir for one more minute.
Stir in the parsley, dill, mustard, and salt.
Makes about 1.5 cups of sauce.

Variations

Substitute the catfish fillets with another type of white fish, such as tilapia or cod.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the mustard-dill sauce for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Garnish the dish with fresh chopped chives or green onions for added color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the catfish fillets well with garlic salt and lemon pepper before broiling to enhance the flavor.

- Be sure to tuck under any thin edges of the catfish fillets to ensure even cooking.

- Keep a close eye on the catfish while broiling to prevent overcooking and ensure that it flakes easily with a fork.

- The mustard-dill sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Broiled Catfish with Mustard-Dill Sauce with a side of steamed vegetables and rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling is a quick and easy cooking technique that involves exposing food to direct heat from above. It is a great way to cook fish fillets quickly while still maintaining their moisture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine in the mustard-dill sauce for a richer flavor.

- Substitute dried dillweed for fresh dill in the sauce if fresh dill is not available.

- Use whole milk or cream for a creamier sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

The mustard-dill sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop before serving with the broiled catfish fillets.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Broiled Catfish with Mustard-Dill Sauce on a bed of rice or quinoa for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the flavors of the mustard-dill sauce and catfish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover catfish and mustard-dill sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the catfish in the oven or microwave until heated through, and reheat the sauce on the stovetop until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Catfish: 200 calories

- Mustard-dill sauce: 150 calories

Carbohydrates

- Catfish: 0g

- Mustard-dill sauce: 8g

Fats

- Catfish: 5g

- Mustard-dill sauce: 10g

Proteins

- Catfish: 20g

- Mustard-dill sauce: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Catfish: Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Selenium

- Mustard-dill sauce: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron

Alergens

Catfish: Fish

- Mustard-dill sauce: Dairy

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Broiled Catfish with Mustard-Dill Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The tender catfish fillets paired with the creamy mustard-dill sauce create a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a beautiful summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maggie in her cozy little cottage by the lake. Maggie was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On this particular day, Maggie had decided to treat me to a special dish that she had learned from her grandmother many years ago - Broiled Catfish with Mustard-Dill Sauce. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew that this dish was something truly remarkable. The catfish was perfectly cooked and flaky, and the mustard-dill sauce added a tangy and flavorful kick that complemented it perfectly.

I begged Maggie to share the recipe with me, but she hesitated, explaining that it was a family secret that had been passed down through generations. However, after much pleading and promises of secrecy, she finally relented and agreed to teach me how to make it.

We spent the rest of the afternoon in Maggie's cozy kitchen, chopping, mixing, and sautéing our way to a mouthwatering meal. As we worked, Maggie shared stories of her grandmother, a formidable woman who had a knack for turning simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. She told me how her grandmother had learned the recipe from a French chef who had passed through their village many years ago, and how it had become a beloved family tradition ever since.

I listened intently, eager to soak up every detail of the recipe and the history behind it. I knew that this dish was something special, and I wanted to do it justice by learning to make it just like Maggie's grandmother had.

After hours of cooking and tasting, the moment of truth arrived. We carefully plated the broiled catfish, drizzled it with the mustard-dill sauce, and garnished it with fresh herbs from Maggie's garden. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and memories. The dish was everything I had hoped for and more - a perfect balance of richness, tanginess, and freshness that lingered on my taste buds long after the meal was over.

From that day on, Broiled Catfish with Mustard-Dill Sauce became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home, always with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude for Maggie and her grandmother.

As the years passed, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations to make it truly my own. But no matter how many times I made it, the dish always brought me back to that sunny afternoon in Maggie's kitchen, where a simple recipe became a cherished memory and a beloved tradition.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that it will bring you as much joy and connection as it has brought me. May you savor each bite, create new memories with loved ones, and carry on the tradition of Broiled Catfish with Mustard-Dill Sauce with the same love and appreciation that I have. Enjoy, and happy cooking!