Catfish Parmesan

Catfish Parmesan Recipe - Authentic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Catfish Parmesan is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the delicate taste of catfish with the rich and savory flavors of Parmesan cheese and herbs. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, and is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.

History

Catfish Parmesan is a modern twist on the classic Italian dish, Chicken Parmesan. The recipe was created as a way to incorporate the mild and slightly sweet flavor of catfish into a traditional Parmesan dish. The result is a dish that is both comforting and elegant, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

6 dressed whole U.S. Farm-Raised catfish or catfish fillets
2 cups dry bread crumbs
0.75 cup parmesan cheese
0.25 cup chopped parsley
1 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp oregano
0.25 tsp basil
2 tsp salt
0.75 cup margarine or cooking oil
lemon wedges

How to prepare

1. In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip the Catfish in melted margarine or oil and roll it in the crumb mixture.
3. Arrange the coated Catfish in a well-greased baking dish measuring 14x9x2 inches.
4. Bake the Catfish in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 25 minutes or until it flakes easily. The cooking time will be less if using fillets.
5. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Variations

Use different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture for a unique flavor profile.
Substitute the catfish with another type of white fish, such as tilapia or cod.
Add a layer of marinara sauce on top of the catfish before baking for a more traditional Chicken Parmesan flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to coat the catfish fillets evenly with the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a crispy and flavorful crust.

- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can also be used in a pinch.

- Be sure to preheat your oven before baking the catfish to ensure even cooking.

- Serve the catfish with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Catfish Parmesan can be served with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier crust.

- Substitute the Parmesan cheese with another type of hard cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the breadcrumb mixture and coat the catfish fillets ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Catfish Parmesan on a bed of pasta or rice, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Catfish Parmesan with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 20g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 15% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Summary

Catfish Parmesan is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and calcium. It is a great source of vitamins A and C, and is relatively low in carbohydrates.

Summary

Catfish Parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With a crispy breadcrumb crust and a rich Parmesan flavor, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Catfish Parmesan. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a master in the art of cooking and she had a treasure trove of recipes from all over the world. As we chatted and sipped on some homemade lemonade, she suddenly pulled out a worn piece of paper from a drawer and handed it to me with a mischievous smile.

"This, my dear, is a recipe for Catfish Parmesan," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I learned this from an Italian chef during my travels in Europe. It's a delicious twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan."

I eagerly took the paper from her hands and scanned through the ingredients and instructions. The combination of crispy fried catfish fillets smothered in tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese was like nothing I had ever seen before. I knew I had to learn how to make this dish.

Maria saw the spark of interest in my eyes and offered to teach me how to make Catfish Parmesan right then and there. We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, cutting, dredging, and frying the catfish fillets to perfection. The aroma that filled the room as we baked the dish in the oven was absolutely mouth-watering.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Maria shared more stories of her culinary adventures around the world. She told me about the time she learned to make authentic paella in Spain, or the secret recipe for the best tiramisu she discovered in Italy. I was fascinated by her tales and inspired by her passion for cooking.

From that day on, Catfish Parmesan became a regular dish in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or just a cozy night in with my husband. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that sunny afternoon in Maria's kitchen and feel grateful for her generosity in sharing her knowledge with me.

Over the years, I have added my own twists and variations to the recipe for Catfish Parmesan. Sometimes I would experiment with different types of cheese or herbs to give it a new flavor profile. Other times, I would serve it with a side of creamy polenta or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

But no matter how many times I make it or how many variations I try, the magic of that first taste of Catfish Parmesan will always stay with me. It reminds me of the joy of learning something new, the pleasure of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones, and the bond that food creates between people.

I am forever grateful to my dear friend Maria for introducing me to this wonderful recipe and for inspiring me to keep exploring the world of cooking. And I know that wherever she is now, she is smiling down on me as I pass on the tradition of Catfish Parmesan to the next generation.