Glazed Catfish Stir-fry

Glazed Catfish Stir-fry Recipe from USA with Pineapple, Ginger, and Broccoli

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Glazed Catfish Stir-fry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender U.S. Farm-Raised catfish fillets with a sweet and tangy glaze. This stir-fry is quick and easy to make, making it a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional stir-fry dishes, incorporating the unique flavor of catfish and a sweet pineapple glaze. It is a fusion of Asian and American flavors, creating a dish that is both comforting and exotic.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of U.S. Farm-Raised catfish fillets, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 20 oz (567 g) can of pineapple chunks, packed in unsweetened pineapple juice, drained (reserving 2 tbsp of juice)
1 tbsp of finely minced fresh ginger
2 tbsp of reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp of unsweetened pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp of sugar
2 tsp of sesame oil, divided
1.5 cups of chopped broccoli
1 tbsp of cornstarch (blended with 1 tbsp of cold water)

How to prepare

1. In a large bowl, combine ginger, soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, sugar, and one teaspoon of sesame oil. Add catfish and stir to coat. Set aside.
2. Heat the remaining teaspoon of sesame oil in a wide nonstick frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fish mixture and stir-fry gently until the catfish is just opaque but still moist in the thickest part (about 2-3 minutes). Remove the catfish from the pan using a slotted spoon and keep it warm.
3. Add broccoli to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Stir the cornstarch mixture well, then pour it into the pan. Cook, stirring, until the sauce boils and thickens slightly (about 1-2 minutes). Return the fish to the pan. Add the drained pineapple chunks and mix gently but thoroughly, just until the catfish is hot and coated with the sauce. Serves 4.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the catfish for a different protein option.
Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or water chestnuts for extra crunch and color.
Use a different type of fish, such as tilapia or salmon, for a variation on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the catfish fillets into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Stir-fry the catfish quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming tough and dry.

- Use fresh ginger for the best flavor, and be sure to mince it finely.

- Adjust the amount of sugar in the glaze to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Glazed Catfish Stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying: Quick cooking method that involves cooking ingredients in a hot pan or wok over high heat.

- Marinating: Allowing the catfish to marinate in the glaze helps infuse it with flavor and tenderize the meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar in the glaze for a natural sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the catfish in the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

- Chop the broccoli and prepare the other ingredients in advance to save time when cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Glazed Catfish Stir-fry in a large serving bowl or on individual plates for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.

- Serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the stir-fry in a pan over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

18g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 45% of the daily recommended intake per serving

- Vitamin A: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

- Iron: 10% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Soy

- Fish

Summary

This Glazed Catfish Stir-fry is a nutritious and balanced meal, providing a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and fats, making it a healthy option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Glazed Catfish Stir-fry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a sweet and tangy glaze and tender catfish fillets, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl with a passion for cooking. I had always loved experimenting in the kitchen, trying out new flavors and techniques. One day, while visiting my dear friend Martha, she served me the most delicious glazed catfish stir-fry I had ever tasted.

I was mesmerized by the combination of flavors – the sweetness of the glaze, the tenderness of the catfish, and the crunch of the stir-fried vegetables. I begged Martha for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to share it with me. She told me that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

I was thrilled to learn this family secret, and I couldn't wait to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. I set to work gathering the ingredients – fresh catfish fillets, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and onions. I carefully followed Martha's instructions, marinating the catfish in the soy sauce and honey mixture, then stir-frying it with the vegetables and glaze.

As the dish came together, filling the kitchen with mouth-watering aromas, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The flavors were incredible – savory and sweet, with just the right amount of heat from the ginger and garlic. I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

When I served the glazed catfish stir-fry that evening, my family was blown away. They couldn't believe how delicious it was, and they begged me to make it again and again. From that day on, it became a staple in our household, a special treat that I would make for birthdays, holidays, and any time we wanted to celebrate.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe, making small tweaks here and there to suit my family's tastes. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its incredible flavor. It has become my signature dish, the one that everyone asks for when they come over for dinner.

I am so grateful to Martha for sharing this recipe with me, and to her grandmother for passing it down through the generations. It has brought so much joy and warmth to my life, and has created countless happy memories around the dinner table.

As I grow older, I know that this recipe will continue to hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting bonds and cherished moments. And I hope that one day, I can pass it down to my own grandchildren, so that they too can experience the joy of discovering a truly special recipe.