Grilled Catfish with Coffee Butter
Grilled Catfish with Coffee Butter Recipe | USA
Introduction
Grilled catfish with coffee butter is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of coffee with the delicate taste of catfish. This recipe is perfect for those looking to try something new and exciting on the grill.
History
The combination of coffee and butter as a marinade for grilled catfish is a modern twist on traditional grilling techniques. The bold flavors of coffee complement the mild taste of catfish, creating a delicious and unexpected flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp instant coffee powder
- 0.25 cup melted margarine
- 0.25 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 lb (907 g) U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets
How to prepare
- Combine all ingredients except catfish fillets.
- Brush the mixture onto the fillets, making sure to coat them thickly.
- Broil the fillets 3 to 4 inches from the grill for 10 minutes.
- Turn the fillets over and brush them again with the sauce.
- Continue broiling for an additional 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily.
- Brush the catfish fillets with the coffee butter once more before serving.
Variations
- Try using different types of fish, such as salmon or trout, for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the coffee butter mixture for a spicy kick.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to coat the catfish fillets thickly with the coffee butter mixture to ensure maximum flavor.
- Broil the fillets close to the grill for even cooking and a nice char on the outside.
- Brush the fillets with the coffee butter multiple times during cooking to build layers of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grilled catfish with coffee butter with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Broiling is the best cooking technique for this recipe, as it allows the catfish to cook quickly and evenly while developing a nice char on the outside.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.
- Instant espresso powder can be used in place of instant coffee powder for a stronger coffee flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the coffee butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the grilled catfish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and freshness.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
200 per serving
Carbohydrates
1g per serving
Fats
12g per serving
Proteins
25g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of vitamin B12 and selenium.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (margarine) and fish (catfish).
Summary
This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, with a moderate amount of calories per serving.
Summary
Grilled catfish with coffee butter is a delicious and unique dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a bold coffee flavor and tender, flaky catfish, this recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Grilled Catfish with Coffee Butter. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sorted through the yellowed index cards and faded newspaper clippings, my eyes landed on a small scrap of paper with the words "Grilled Catfish with Coffee Butter" scrawled across it in elegant cursive.
I had never heard of such a combination before - catfish and coffee? It seemed like an odd pairing, but something about it intrigued me. I could almost taste the smoky, charred fish mingling with the rich, earthy flavors of the coffee butter. Without hesitation, I decided to give it a try.
As I gathered the ingredients and prepped the catfish fillets, I couldn't help but wonder where this recipe had come from. It wasn't like anything I had ever seen before in my years of cooking. I remembered my grandmother telling me stories of how she had acquired her recipes - from old cookbooks, friends, family, and even strangers she met on her travels. Perhaps this recipe had come to her in a similar way.
I imagined a young woman, much like myself, stumbling upon this unique recipe and deciding to give it a whirl. Maybe she had picked it up from a local diner or a farmer's market, or perhaps it had been shared with her by a kind stranger she had met on a train. The possibilities were endless, and the mystery only added to my excitement.
As I fired up the grill and melted the coffee butter, the aroma that filled the air was intoxicating. The smell of the smoldering coals mingled with the rich, nutty scent of the coffee, creating a deliciously complex perfume that made my mouth water. I carefully placed the catfish fillets on the grill, watching as they sizzled and charred, sending up plumes of fragrant smoke.
When the fish was cooked to perfection, I spooned the warm coffee butter over the top, letting it melt and coat the tender flesh. The first bite was a revelation - the flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted. The smoky, slightly spicy catfish paired perfectly with the creamy, bittersweet coffee butter, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my tongue.
As I savored each mouthful, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of the mysterious origins of this recipe. It was a reminder of the joy and adventure that can be found in cooking, of the stories and memories that are woven into every dish we create. And as I sat at my table, surrounded by the delicious aroma of grilled catfish and coffee butter, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my grandmother and all the recipes she had passed down to me.
So here I am, many years later, sharing this recipe with you. I hope it brings you as much joy and wonder as it has brought me. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it down to your own grandchildren, creating new memories and stories to treasure for years to come.
Categories
| American Recipes | Coffee Recipes | Easy Catfish Recipes | Grilled Or Broiled Catfish Recipes | Low-carb Catfish Recipes |