Catfish Fajitas

Mexican Catfish Fajitas Recipe with Lime and Salsa

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Catfish fajitas are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets with a medley of onions, peppers, and seasonings. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun and festive dinner party.

History

Fajitas are a traditional Mexican dish that typically consists of grilled meat, onions, and peppers served on a warm tortilla. The dish originated in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the early 1930s, where Mexican cowboys would cook strips of beef over an open fire. Over time, the dish evolved to include a variety of meats, including chicken, shrimp, and fish. Catfish fajitas are a unique twist on this classic dish, offering a lighter and more delicate flavor.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets
1 cup of lime juice (5 or 6 limes)
3 cups of mesquite or hickory wood chips
1 large onion, sliced and separated into rings
1 large sweet red or green pepper, cut into strips
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp of butter or margarine
0.5 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of pepper
8 flour or corn tortillas, warmed
For garnish: salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges

How to prepare

Place the catfish in a large plastic bag.
Pour lime juice over the catfish.
Seal the bag and marinate the catfish in the refrigerator for 1 hour (do not marinate longer; the acid in the lime juice will "cook" the fish).
Soak the wood chips in enough water to cover for 30 - 60 minutes.
Drain the wood chips.
In a covered grill, test the coals for medium-hot heat.
Sprinkle the wood chips over the preheated coals.
Lightly brush the grill rack with cooking oil.
Place the catfish on the grill rack.
Cover and grill the catfish directly over medium-hot coals for about 5 minutes on each side or until it flakes easily.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the onion, red or green pepper, and garlic in butter or margarine until just tender.
Stir in salt and pepper.
Cut the grilled catfish into chunks.
Toss the catfish chunks with the onion mixture.
Fill tortillas with the catfish mixture.
Serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and lime wedges.

Variations

Substitute chicken or shrimp for the catfish for a different flavor and texture.
Add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to the onion and pepper mixture for extra vegetables.
Use different seasonings, such as cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika, to customize the flavor of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to over-marinate the catfish in lime juice, as the acid can break down the fish and make it mushy.

- Soaking the wood chips before grilling will help create a smoky flavor that enhances the taste of the catfish.

- Grilling the catfish over medium-hot coals will ensure that it cooks evenly and develops a nice charred exterior.

- Serve the catfish fajitas with a variety of toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and lime wedges, to add extra flavor and texture to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the catfish fajitas with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the catfish over medium-hot coals will give it a smoky flavor and a nice charred exterior, while cooking the onion and pepper mixture in a skillet will help them caramelize and develop a rich flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.

- Substitute olive oil for margarine for a healthier alternative.

- Use corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the catfish in lime juice and prepare the onion and pepper mixture ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. Just be sure to grill the catfish and assemble the fajitas right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the catfish fajitas on a platter with a colorful garnish of lime wedges and fresh cilantro for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the catfish fajitas with a cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita for a perfect pairing that complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover catfish fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fajitas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick and easy meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of catfish fajitas contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of catfish fajitas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of catfish fajitas contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of catfish fajitas contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Catfish is a good source of vitamins B12 and D, as well as minerals such as selenium and phosphorus.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and wheat (tortillas), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Catfish fajitas are a nutritious and delicious meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Catfish fajitas are a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets with a medley of onions, peppers, and seasonings. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun and festive dinner party, and can be customized with different toppings, seasonings, and side dishes to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Catfish Fajitas. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the windows of my grandmother's kitchen. I could hear the sizzling of the cast iron skillet as she cooked up a storm, a familiar sound that always brought me comfort.

My grandmother, a master in the kitchen, had learned this recipe from a dear friend of hers many years ago. She had always been a collector of recipes, gathering them from various places and people over the years. But this one was special to her, a unique twist on a classic Mexican dish that she had perfected over time.

As I watched her deftly slice the catfish into thin strips, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill. She had a way of making even the most complicated recipes seem effortless, a talent that I hoped to one day inherit.

The key to making these Catfish Fajitas, she explained to me, was in the seasoning. A blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic, and lime juice that she had fine-tuned to perfection. As she sprinkled the spices over the catfish, the aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next came the vegetables, a colorful array of bell peppers and onions that she sautéed until they were tender-crisp. The sizzle of the skillet mingled with the fragrant spices, creating a symphony of flavors that danced in the air.

Once everything was cooked to perfection, my grandmother assembled the fajitas with a deft hand, wrapping the catfish and vegetables in warm tortillas and topping them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of bold flavors and comforting textures. The tender catfish, perfectly seasoned and cooked, paired beautifully with the crisp vegetables and creamy sour cream. It was a dish that was both familiar and exotic, a true testament to my grandmother's culinary prowess.

Over the years, I have made these Catfish Fajitas countless times, honing my skills and perfecting the recipe with each attempt. And while I may never be able to replicate my grandmother's magic touch in the kitchen, I take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in every bite.

So as I stand in my own kitchen now, preparing these Catfish Fajitas for my own family, I feel a sense of gratitude for the traditions that have been passed down to me. And as I take that first bite, savoring the flavors that have been lovingly crafted over generations, I can't help but smile, knowing that my grandmother's legacy will live on through the recipes she so generously shared with me.