Classic Moo Shu Catfish Wraps

Moo Shu Catfish Wraps Recipe - Classic Chinese Dish

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Moo Shu Catfish Wraps are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender U.S. farm-raised catfish with crunchy coleslaw mix, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Moo Shu Catfish Wraps are a modern twist on the classic Chinese dish, Moo Shu Pork. Traditionally, Moo Shu Pork is made with shredded pork, mushrooms, cabbage, and other vegetables, all stir-fried together and served with hoisin sauce and pancakes for wrapping. This recipe takes those same flavors and ingredients and swaps out the pork for U.S. farm-raised catfish, creating a lighter and healthier version of the traditional dish.

Ingredients

8 x 8 inches flour tortillas
1 tbsp (plus 1 tsp) sesame oil, divided
1 lb (454 g) U.S. farm-raised catfish, cut into 0.5 inch strips
3 cups packaged shredded cabbage with carrots (coleslaw mix)
0.5 cup hoisin sauce, divided

How to prepare

Wrap the tortillas in foil.
Heat them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes to soften.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling.
Heat 1 tbsp of sesame oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Cook the U.S. farm-raised catfish strips, stirring occasionally, until they become opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in the cabbage and cook covered for about 4 minutes or until the cabbage is crisp-tender.
Stir in 0.25 cup of hoisin sauce and 1 tsp of the remaining sesame oil.
Cook and stir until heated through.
Spoon about 0.5 cup of the filling onto each tortilla just below the center.
Fold the bottom edge up and over the filling.
Fold the opposite sides in, just until they meet.
Roll up from the bottom.
Serve with the remaining hoisin sauce.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the catfish for a different protein option.
Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Drizzle with sriracha or soy sauce for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the catfish into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.

- Cooking the catfish strips in sesame oil adds a delicious nutty flavor to the dish.

- Make sure to cook the cabbage until it is crisp-tender to maintain its crunchiness in the wraps.

- Heating the tortillas in the oven before assembling the wraps helps to soften them and make them more pliable for rolling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Moo Shu Catfish Wraps with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the catfish and cabbage in sesame oil helps to infuse the dish with a rich, nutty flavor.

- Rolling the wraps tightly helps to keep the filling contained and makes them easier to eat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any white fish fillets in place of catfish.

- Substitute vegetable oil for sesame oil if desired.

- Use any type of coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage for convenience.

Make Ahead Tips

The filling for Moo Shu Catfish Wraps can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Assemble the wraps just before serving to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Moo Shu Catfish Wraps on a platter with a drizzle of hoisin sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Moo Shu Catfish Wraps with a crisp white wine or a light lager beer for a refreshing accompaniment.

- Serve with a side of hot and sour soup or egg drop soup for a complete Chinese-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Moo Shu Catfish Wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Moo Shu Catfish Wraps contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Moo Shu Catfish Wraps contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Moo Shu Catfish Wraps contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Moo Shu Catfish Wraps contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Moo Shu Catfish Wraps are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and sesame oil.

Summary

Moo Shu Catfish Wraps are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Moo Shu Catfish Wraps are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic Chinese dish, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a flavorful filling of U.S. farm-raised catfish and crunchy coleslaw mix, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Classic Moo Shu Catfish Wraps. It was a warm summer day, and I was strolling through the bustling streets of Chinatown in search of new and exciting ingredients for my next culinary adventure. As I passed by a small, unassuming storefront, the fragrant aroma of sizzling catfish caught my attention.

Intrigued, I stepped inside to see what was cooking. I was greeted by a friendly elderly woman who introduced herself as Mrs. Lee. She was the owner of the shop and a master of traditional Chinese cuisine. She invited me to watch as she prepared her signature dish - Classic Moo Shu Catfish Wraps.

As I observed Mrs. Lee in action, I was mesmerized by her skill and precision. She expertly sliced the catfish into thin strips, marinated them in a mouthwatering blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and sautéed them until they were perfectly tender and flavorful. She then stir-fried a colorful medley of veggies - shredded cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms - until they were crisp-tender.

Mrs. Lee showed me how to assemble the wraps, starting with a warm flour tortilla spread with hoisin sauce. She topped it with a generous spoonful of the catfish mixture, a scoop of the veggie mix, and a sprinkling of crunchy bean sprouts. She then folded the tortilla into a neat little package and secured it with a toothpick.

With a twinkle in her eye, Mrs. Lee handed me a freshly made wrap and encouraged me to take a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - savory catfish, sweet hoisin sauce, crunchy veggies, and tender tortilla all melded together in perfect harmony. It was love at first bite.

I begged Mrs. Lee to share her recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She wrote it down on a yellowed scrap of paper, complete with detailed instructions and helpful tips. I thanked her profusely and promised to cherish the recipe and pass it down through the generations.

Back at home, I couldn't wait to recreate Mrs. Lee's masterpiece in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work, following her instructions to the letter. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the catfish sizzled in the pan brought me right back to that fateful day in Chinatown.

When the wraps were finally assembled and ready to serve, I couldn't resist taking a bite before calling my family to the table. The flavors were just as exquisite as I remembered, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our household for years to come.

As I sat down to enjoy the meal with my loved ones, I couldn't help but reflect on the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. Mrs. Lee's Classic Moo Shu Catfish Wraps had not only tantalized my taste buds but had also opened my eyes to the rich tapestry of culinary traditions that exist in the world.

I made a promise to myself that day to continue exploring new recipes, learning from different cultures, and sharing my culinary creations with others. And as I looked around the table at the smiling faces of my family, I knew that this recipe for Classic Moo Shu Catfish Wraps would always hold a special place in my heart.