Cajun Catfish with Sweet Onion Relish

Cajun Catfish with Sweet Onion Relish Recipe - Authentic USA Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cajun Catfish with Sweet Onion Relish is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the sweetness of onions and tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dinner with friends and family.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Cajun cuisine, which is known for its bold and spicy flavors. Cajun cooking originated in Louisiana and is a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. Catfish is a popular ingredient in Cajun cuisine, as it is readily available in the region's rivers and lakes.

Ingredients

4 U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets
2 tsp olive oil, divided
1 cup chopped sweet onion (i.e. vidalia)
1 cup chopped, seeded roma tomatoes
3 tbsp pitted and chopped calamata (Greek) olives
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp dried thyme leaves, divided
1 tbsp paprika
0.5 tsp garlic salt
0.13 tsp ground red pepper (cayenne), or more to taste

How to prepare

Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
Spoon the onion into a bowl.
Add the tomatoes, olives, water, and 1 tsp of thyme leaves.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Prepare the grill.
Combine 1 tsp of olive oil, the remaining 2 tsp of thyme, paprika, garlic salt, and red pepper.
Rub the mixture over both sides of the catfish fillets.
Place the fillets on a grill rack coated with cooking spray and grill for 5 minutes on each side, or until they easily flake when tested with a fork.
Serve with the relish.

Variations

Substitute the catfish fillets with another type of white fish, such as tilapia or cod.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos to the sweet onion relish for an extra kick of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly season the catfish fillets with the Cajun spice mixture for maximum flavor.

- Refrigerate the sweet onion relish for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Grill the catfish fillets until they are just cooked through and flake easily with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cajun Catfish with Sweet Onion Relish with a side of rice or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red onion or yellow onion in place of sweet onion.

- Use black olives or green olives instead of calamata olives.

Make Ahead Tips

The sweet onion relish can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Cajun Catfish with Sweet Onion Relish on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains fish (catfish) and olives.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and vitamins, but it is also high in fat. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Cajun Catfish with Sweet Onion Relish is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With bold Cajun spices and a sweet onion relish, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cajun Catfish with Sweet Onion Relish. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, pick fresh vegetables from her garden. As a thank you for my help, she invited me into her cozy kitchen and handed me a recipe card adorned with a picture of a beautifully plated catfish dish.

"Darling, this recipe has been in my family for generations," Mrs. Jenkins said with a twinkle in her eye. "I think you'll enjoy making it as much as you'll enjoy eating it."

I eagerly scanned the ingredients and instructions, taking in the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, the tangy sweetness of the relish, and the crispy texture of the catfish. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish.

Mrs. Jenkins patiently walked me through each step, teaching me the importance of marinating the catfish in a blend of spices and lemon juice to infuse it with flavor. She showed me how to caramelize the sweet onions to create a rich relish that would complement the spicy kick of the Cajun seasoning. And she shared her secret for achieving perfectly crispy catfish by dredging it in a mixture of cornmeal and flour before frying.

As I listened and observed, I couldn't help but marvel at Mrs. Jenkins's culinary expertise. She moved with grace and confidence in the kitchen, effortlessly combining ingredients and flavors to create a masterpiece. It was clear to me that cooking was not just a skill for her, but a form of artistry that brought joy and satisfaction to both the cook and the eater.

After hours of cooking and chatting, the aroma of Cajun spices and sweet onions filled the air, signaling that our meal was ready. Mrs. Jenkins plated the catfish with a generous spoonful of relish on top, garnishing it with a sprig of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

We sat down at her dining table, our plates piled high with steaming catfish and aromatic relish. With the first bite, I was transported to a world of bold flavors and satisfying textures. The Cajun seasoning danced on my taste buds, the sweet onion relish added a touch of brightness, and the crispy catfish melted in my mouth.

As we savored each bite, Mrs. Jenkins shared stories of her grandmother, who had passed down this recipe to her many years ago. She spoke of family gatherings where this dish was always a highlight, of laughter and love shared around the dining table, and of the enduring joy that comes from cooking for the ones you care about.

I listened intently, absorbing every word and every flavor, knowing that I was witnessing a moment of true culinary magic. Mrs. Jenkins's generosity in sharing her family recipe with me was a gift beyond measure, one that I would carry with me for the rest of my life.

In the years that followed, I made Cajun Catfish with Sweet Onion Relish countless times, each batch a tribute to Mrs. Jenkins and her legacy of culinary excellence. I experimented with different variations, adding my own twists and tweaks to make the recipe truly my own. But no matter how I changed it, the heart and soul of the dish remained the same, a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for all the recipes, stories, and memories that have shaped me into the cook I am today. Mrs. Jenkins's Cajun Catfish with Sweet Onion Relish will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and wonder that can be found in a simple recipe shared between friends. And as I take a bite of the crispy, flavorful catfish, I can't help but smile, knowing that the magic of good food will continue to bring people together for generations to come.