Catfish Fillet Sandwiches with Red 'Firecracker' Sauce

Catfish Fillet Sandwiches with Red 'Firecracker' Sauce Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Catfish fillet sandwiches with red 'firecracker' sauce are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of tender catfish fillets, spicy red sauce, creamy avocado, and crunchy coleslaw makes for a satisfying and tasty meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic fish sandwich. The red 'firecracker' sauce adds a spicy kick to the dish, while the avocado and coleslaw provide a cool and creamy contrast. This recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors and enjoy trying new and exciting dishes.

Ingredients

Catfish

4 x 4- to 5- ounce frozen U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets
1 tsp dried oregano
salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tsp olive oil

Red Firecracker Sauce

2 tbsp lime or lemon juice
2 tsp dijon mustard
1.5 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
0.13 tsp garlic powder
0.25 cup olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Serving

4 soft sandwich rolls
lettuce leaves, alfalfa sprouts, or coleslaw
8 slices ripe avocado
salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 thin slices red onion
4 tsp sour cream or plain yogurt

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
To prepare the catfish, place the frozen catfish fillets in a baking pan large enough to hold them in a single layer.
Sprinkle with oregano and season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle the fillets with olive oil.
Bake for about 12 minutes or until they easily flake when tested with a fork.
Allow the fillets to cool.
Cover and refrigerate while preparing the sauce.
The catfish can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and refrigerated.
To prepare the red firecracker sauce, place lime or lemon juice and mustard in a non-corrosive medium bowl.
Using a wire whisk, mix until smooth.
Whisk in chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
Gradually whisk in olive oil until it forms a smooth, slightly thickened sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and set aside.
The sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. If the sauce separates, whisk until blended.
Cut the cooked fillets in half and coat each piece with some of the sauce.
Spread a little of the sauce on the bottom of each roll and cover them with lettuce leaves, sprouts, or coleslaw.
Place two pieces of the dressed fillets on top of the greens on each roll.
Place avocado slices on top and season with salt and pepper.
Place red onion slices on top of the avocado and add a small dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
Top with the other half of the roll.
Cut the sandwiches in half and serve.

Variations

Substitute the catfish fillets with another type of white fish, such as tilapia or cod.
Add sliced jalapenos or hot sauce to the red 'firecracker' sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free rolls for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the catfish fillets well before baking to enhance their flavor.

- The red 'firecracker' sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Be sure to let the cooked catfish fillets cool before assembling the sandwiches to prevent them from becoming soggy.

- Feel free to customize the sandwich toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the catfish fillet sandwiches with a side of sweet potato fries or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the catfish fillets in the oven ensures that they cook evenly and retain their moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have catfish fillets, you can use another type of white fish, such as tilapia or cod. You can also use store-bought hot sauce instead of making the red 'firecracker' sauce from scratch.

Make Ahead Tips

The catfish fillets can be baked and refrigerated up to 1 day in advance. The red 'firecracker' sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the catfish fillet sandwiches on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the catfish fillet sandwiches with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a cold beer for a refreshing accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover catfish fillet sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwiches in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of catfish fillet sandwich with red 'firecracker' sauce contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of catfish fillet sandwich with red 'firecracker' sauce contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of catfish fillet sandwich with red 'firecracker' sauce contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of catfish fillet sandwich with red 'firecracker' sauce contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish, mustard, and dairy (yogurt), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Catfish fillet sandwiches with red 'firecracker' sauce are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Catfish fillet sandwiches with red 'firecracker' sauce are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. With a spicy sauce, creamy avocado, and crunchy coleslaw, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished browsing through a small, quaint bookstore in the heart of the city. As I was leaving, I noticed a flyer taped to the window advertising a special cooking demonstration by a local chef. Intrigued, I decided to attend.

The demonstration was held in a cozy kitchen in the back of the bookstore, and as soon as I walked in, I was hit with the most tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs. The chef, a vibrant and energetic woman with a passion for cooking, greeted me with a warm smile and invited me to take a seat at the kitchen island.

As she began to prepare the dish, she explained that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. She called it Catfish Fillet Sandwiches with Red 'Firecracker' Sauce. I was immediately captivated by the name, and as she started to cook, I could tell that this dish was going to be something special.

The chef carefully seasoned the catfish fillets with a blend of spices that filled the room with a mouthwatering aroma. She then pan-fried them until they were crispy and golden brown, creating a delicious crunch that made my mouth water.

Next, she whipped up the 'Firecracker' sauce, a fiery blend of hot peppers, garlic, and vinegar that packed a punch of flavor with every bite. The chef explained that the sauce was meant to be spicy, but that the heat could be adjusted to suit individual tastes.

Once the catfish fillets were cooked to perfection and the sauce was simmering on the stove, the chef assembled the sandwiches with a generous dollop of sauce on top. She then handed me a plate and encouraged me to take a bite.

As soon as I tasted the first bite of the Catfish Fillet Sandwich with Red 'Firecracker' Sauce, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The crispy catfish, the spicy sauce, and the fresh toppings all came together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this recipe for myself. I asked the chef for a copy of the recipe, and she graciously wrote it down for me on a small index card. I thanked her profusely and left the kitchen feeling inspired and excited to try my hand at making the dish at home.

Over the next few weeks, I experimented with the recipe, tweaking the ingredients and adjusting the seasoning to suit my own tastes. I made the Catfish Fillet Sandwiches with Red 'Firecracker' Sauce for my family and friends, and each time, they raved about how delicious it was.

The recipe quickly became a staple in my cooking repertoire, and I found myself making it regularly for special occasions and family gatherings. Every time I prepared the dish, I would think back to that fateful day in the bookstore kitchen and the chef who had introduced me to this incredible recipe.

Now, years later, I still make Catfish Fillet Sandwiches with Red 'Firecracker' Sauce on a regular basis. It has become a beloved family favorite, and I take great pride in sharing the recipe with others who appreciate good food and good company.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the chef who shared her family's culinary heritage with me. She opened my eyes to the wonders of cooking and inspired me to continue exploring new flavors and techniques in the kitchen.

I may have learned many recipes from various places and people over the years, but the Catfish Fillet Sandwiches with Red 'Firecracker' Sauce will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.