Cajun-style Catfish Wraps with Slaw

Cajun-style Catfish Wraps with Slaw Recipe - A Tasty USA Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cajun-style Catfish Wraps with Slaw is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the freshness of a crunchy slaw. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun and casual dinner with friends and family.

History

Cajun cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, which are a result of the French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences in Louisiana. Catfish is a popular ingredient in Cajun cooking, as it is readily available in the region's rivers and lakes. The combination of Cajun seasoning and slaw in this recipe creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Slaw

3.5 cups thinly sliced red or green cabbage
0.25 cup light mayonnaise
1.5 tbsp cider vinegar
0.5 tsp sugar

Wraps

1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp paprika
1.5 tsp dried thyme
1.5 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground red pepper
4 (6 oz) catfish fillets
1 tbsp butter or stick margarine
4 (8 inches) fat-free flour tortillas

How to prepare

Slaw

Combine the first 4 ingredients in a bowl, cover, and chill.

Wraps

Combine flour and the next 7 ingredients (flour through red pepper) in a shallow dish.
Dredge fillets in the flour mixture.
Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add fillets and sauté for 5 minutes.
Turn fillets over and cook for 4 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Heat the tortillas according to package directions.
Cut each catfish fillet lengthwise into 4 pieces.
Arrange 4 fillet pieces on each tortilla, top each serving with about 0.75 cup of slaw, and roll up.

Variations

Substitute the catfish fillets with another type of white fish, such as tilapia or cod.
Add avocado slices or diced tomatoes to the wraps for extra freshness.
Use a different type of slaw, such as a vinegar-based slaw or a spicy coleslaw, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Sauté the catfish fillets in a hot skillet to achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior.

- Be sure to heat the tortillas before assembling the wraps to make them more pliable and easier to roll.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cajun-style Catfish Wraps with Slaw with a side of rice, cornbread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Dredging the catfish fillets in the flour mixture helps create a crispy coating when sautéing.

- Sautéing the catfish fillets in butter adds richness and flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise in the slaw for a lighter option.

- Substitute the catfish fillets with shrimp or chicken for a different protein option.

Make Ahead Tips

The slaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- The Cajun seasoning mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for future use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Cajun-style Catfish Wraps with Slaw on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color. - Garnish the wraps with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for a burst of citrus flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp and refreshing white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Serve with a side of homemade hush puppies or corn fritters for a classic Southern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cajun-style Catfish Wraps with Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, place the wraps on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

330

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 28g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 14g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 31g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 8%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains fish (catfish)

- Contains wheat (flour)

- Contains eggs (mayonnaise)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and fiber, while also providing essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to note that it contains allergens such as fish, wheat, and eggs.

Summary

Cajun-style Catfish Wraps with Slaw is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the freshness of a crunchy slaw. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Enjoy the combination of crispy catfish, spicy Cajun seasoning, and tangy slaw in every bite!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished browsing through a flea market in the heart of New Orleans. As I was walking back to my car, I stumbled upon an old dusty cookbook tucked away in a corner of a book stall.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to purchase the cookbook. Little did I know that this simple act would lead me to discover one of my all-time favorite recipes – Cajun-style Catfish Wraps with Slaw.

As I flipped through the pages of the cookbook, my eyes landed on a worn-out page that had the ingredients and instructions for the catfish wraps. The recipe seemed simple enough, but it was the combination of flavors and spices that intrigued me the most.

I decided to give it a try that very same evening. I gathered all the necessary ingredients – catfish fillets, Cajun seasoning, flour, cornmeal, cabbage, carrots, and a few other vegetables. As I began to follow the instructions, the kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of Cajun spices.

The catfish fillets sizzled in the hot oil, turning a golden brown color. The slaw, a mix of crunchy cabbage and carrots, was tossed in a tangy dressing that perfectly complemented the spicy catfish.

When I took my first bite of the Cajun-style Catfish Wraps with Slaw, I was instantly transported back to the bustling streets of New Orleans. The flavors danced on my taste buds, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to suit my taste, adding a little more Cajun seasoning here and a touch of hot sauce there. I have also shared it with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with the dish.

But it wasn't just the flavors of the Cajun-style Catfish Wraps with Slaw that captured my heart. It was the story behind the recipe that made it even more special to me.

I learned that the recipe had been passed down through generations of Cajun cooks, each adding their own twist to make it their own. The cookbook I had stumbled upon was a treasure trove of recipes that had been collected from various sources over the years.

As I delved deeper into the history of Cajun cuisine, I learned about the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that made up this unique culinary heritage. From gumbo to jambalaya, each dish had a story to tell – and now, the Cajun-style Catfish Wraps with Slaw had become a part of my own story.

Whenever I make this recipe, I can't help but think of the bustling streets of New Orleans, the sounds of jazz music floating through the air, and the warm embrace of the Cajun culture. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our heritage and bring us closer to those we love.

So, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing another batch of Cajun-style Catfish Wraps with Slaw, I am filled with gratitude for that fateful day at the flea market. It was then that I discovered not just a recipe, but a piece of history that has brought joy and flavor to my life ever since.