Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw

Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 16 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the smoky flavor of grilled catfish with the bright and tangy flavors of citrus slaw. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick and easy weeknight meal.

History

Catfish tacos have been a popular dish in the southern United States for many years. The combination of tender catfish and crunchy slaw wrapped in a warm tortilla is a favorite among seafood lovers. Adding a citrus twist to the slaw gives this classic dish a fresh and zesty flavor.

Ingredients

4 U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets
1 tbsp mild or hot chili powder
1 tbsp canola oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
4 flour tortillas, “soft taco” (10 inches) size
lemon and/or lime wedges
cilantro leaves (optional)

Citrus slaw

2 cups prepared coleslaw mix
1 cup diced orange sections
1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
0.5 cup vertically sliced red onion
2 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar

How to prepare

Prepare the grill.
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, oil, and lime juice; brush the mixture over both sides of the fillets.
Coat a wire grilling basket with cooking spray and arrange the fillets in it.
Place the grilling basket on a grill rack and grill for 6–8 minutes on each side, or until the catfish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Place 1 fillet on a tortilla and top it with 0.75 cup of citrus slaw.
Squeeze lemon and lime juice over the slaw.
If desired, garnish with cilantro.

Citrus slaw

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and toss gently.
Cover the bowl and chill the slaw.

Variations

Substitute the catfish fillets with another type of white fish, such as tilapia or cod.
Add diced avocado or mango to the citrus slaw for an extra burst of flavor.
Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brush the chili powder mixture on both sides of the catfish fillets to ensure that they are evenly coated.

- Grilling the catfish in a wire grilling basket helps prevent the fillets from sticking to the grill and makes for easy flipping.

- Be sure to grill the catfish until it flakes easily with a fork to ensure that it is cooked through.

- Chilling the citrus slaw before serving allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw with a side of black beans and rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the catfish fillets adds a smoky flavor to the dish and helps to keep the fish moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have canola oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil as a substitute. You can also use lemon juice instead of lime juice in the chili powder mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the citrus slaw ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The catfish fillets can also be marinated in the chili powder mixture a few hours before grilling.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Grilled Catfish Tacos on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw with a crisp and refreshing white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover catfish fillets and citrus slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the fillets in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Serve with fresh tortillas and lime wedges.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin C from the citrus slaw and Vitamin B12 from the catfish.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and wheat (tortillas) allergens.

Summary

Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw is a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer meal. The combination of grilled catfish, zesty citrus slaw, and warm tortillas creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through a magazine at my local library when I stumbled upon a picture of the most delicious looking Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw. The vibrant colors of the slaw, the perfectly grilled catfish, and the warm tortillas all seemed to beckon me to try them.

I quickly made a copy of the recipe and hurried home to try it out. I had always loved cooking and trying new recipes, and this one seemed like the perfect challenge for me. As I gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dish, I could already imagine the flavors melding together in a perfect harmony.

The first step was to marinate the catfish in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices. As the fish soaked up the flavors, I prepared the citrus slaw, combining shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers with a tangy dressing made from citrus juices and vinegar. The colors of the slaw were so vibrant and inviting, I couldn't help but sneak a taste before the tacos were even assembled.

Once the catfish had marinated for the perfect amount of time, I fired up the grill and cooked it until it was perfectly golden brown and flaky. The smell of the fish sizzling on the grill was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to assemble my tacos.

I warmed the tortillas on the grill for just a few seconds, then topped them with a generous portion of the grilled catfish and a heaping spoonful of the citrus slaw. The colors of the slaw popped against the golden fish, creating a beautiful and appetizing dish.

As I took my first bite of the Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw, I was transported to a world of flavor and texture. The tangy slaw complemented the smoky fish perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors in my mouth. I savored each bite, relishing in the deliciousness of the dish I had created.

From that day on, Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, parties with friends, or just for a quiet dinner at home. Everyone who tried them raved about how delicious they were, and I was always happy to share the recipe with anyone who asked.

Over the years, I have made a few adjustments to the recipe, adding different spices or experimenting with different types of citrus in the slaw. But the basic elements of the dish remain the same, and each time I make it, I am reminded of that first day I saw the recipe and knew I had to try it.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing Grilled Catfish Tacos with Citrus Slaw for yet another family dinner, I am grateful for the joy that cooking has brought me over the years. The memories of trying new recipes, sharing delicious meals with loved ones, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious with my own two hands will always hold a special place in my heart. And I know that as long as I can hold a spatula and stir a pot, I will continue to explore new flavors and create delicious dishes to share with those I love.