Lemon-Lime Catfish

Lemon-Lime Catfish Recipe from the USA | Ingredients: Catfish, Lemon, Lime, Rice, Olive Oil, Garlic, Basil, Mint, Sea Salt

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Lemon-Lime Catfish is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the tangy citrus flavors of lemon and lime with the mild taste of U.S. Farm-Raised catfish. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick and easy weeknight meal.

History

The combination of lemon and lime with grilled catfish is a popular dish in many Southern and coastal regions of the United States. The citrus marinade helps to tenderize the catfish while adding a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

2.25 lb (1.02 kg) U.S. Farm-Raised catfish, cut into pieces
1 cup Wood chips or 0.33 cup wood pellets
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
3 cup Cooked rice
lemon-lime Marinade (see recipe below)
juice of 2 lemons
juice of 2 limes
1 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup Chopped fresh basil leaves
0.5 cup Chopped fresh mint or lemon balm leaves
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to prepare

1. Pour 1 cup of the marinade into a resealable plastic bag. Add the fish, seal the bag, shake to coat the fish, and refrigerate for 1 hour to marinate. Reserve the remaining marinade.
2. Place the wood chips in water to soak or place the wood pellets in a heavy-duty aluminum foil packet with holes poked into it. Prepare a hot fire.
3. When ready to grill, place the drained wood chips or foil packet on the fire. Set an oiled grill wok on the rack above the fire. Transfer the ingredients to the grill wok, using a slotted spoon to drain the excess marinade.
4. Stir-grill the fish and lemon and lime slices by tossing them with 2 long-handled wooden spoons or grill spatulas until the fish is opaque, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. Close the grill and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Serve the fish and citrus slices over rice and drizzle with the remaining marinade. This recipe serves 6.
6. Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the citrus juices and olive oil. Whisk constantly until thoroughly blended. Add garlic, basil, and mint, and season with salt and pepper. The marinade can be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for several days. This recipe makes 2 cups of marinade.

Variations

Substitute the catfish with another type of white fish, such as tilapia or cod.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the marinade for extra flavor.
Use different herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, in the marinade for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the catfish for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the fish.

- Use a grill wok or a grill basket to prevent the fish from sticking to the grill grates.

- Be careful not to overcook the catfish, as it can become dry and tough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemon-Lime Catfish over cooked rice and drizzle with the remaining marinade for added flavor. Pair with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the catfish and citrus slices adds a smoky flavor to the dish and helps to caramelize the sugars in the marinade.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh lemons or limes, you can use bottled lemon and lime juice instead. You can also substitute the fresh herbs with dried herbs, but use half the amount called for in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the catfish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. You can also prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lemon-Lime Catfish on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and citrus slices for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve it in individual bowls or on a bed of mixed greens for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lemon-Lime Catfish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also serve it with a light beer or a citrus-infused cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the catfish in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lemon-Lime Catfish contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lemon-Lime Catfish contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lemon-Lime Catfish contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lemon-Lime Catfish contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon-Lime Catfish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and garlic.

Summary

Lemon-Lime Catfish is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a healthy and balanced meal.

Summary

Lemon-Lime Catfish is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its tangy citrus flavors and tender grilled catfish, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a hot summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that my dear friend had given me years ago. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Lemon-Lime Catfish caught my eye. The combination of zesty citrus flavors and tender fish sounded absolutely delicious. I had never tried cooking catfish before, but I was eager to give it a go.

I remembered the first time I had ever tasted catfish. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside. My grandmother used to take me fishing at the nearby pond, where we would spend hours casting our lines and waiting for a bite. I can still recall the excitement I felt when I caught my first catfish. Its silvery scales gleamed in the sunlight as I reeled it in, and my grandmother taught me how to clean and prepare it for cooking.

As I read through the recipe for Lemon-Lime Catfish, memories of those cherished fishing trips with my grandmother flooded back to me. I knew that this dish would not only be delicious, but it would also be a wonderful way to honor her memory. I set to work gathering the ingredients and preparing the fish, following the directions in the cookbook with care and attention to detail.

The first step was to marinate the catfish fillets in a mixture of freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice, along with a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs and spices. The citrusy aroma filled the kitchen as I let the fish soak up all the flavors, ensuring that each bite would be bursting with zesty goodness.

While the catfish marinated, I prepared a simple yet flavorful sauce using more lemon and lime juice, along with a bit of honey for sweetness and some minced garlic for a kick of savory flavor. I simmered the sauce on the stove until it thickened and the flavors melded together beautifully, creating a tantalizing glaze to drizzle over the cooked catfish.

Finally, it was time to cook the catfish. I heated a skillet on the stove and gently sautéed the marinated fillets until they were golden brown and cooked through. The kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling fish and tangy citrus, making my mouth water in anticipation of the meal to come.

As I plated the Lemon-Lime Catfish and drizzled the sauce over the top, I couldn't help but smile with pride at the beautiful dish I had created. The colors of the dish were vibrant and inviting, and I knew that the flavors would be just as delightful.

I sat down at the table and took my first bite of the Lemon-Lime Catfish. The tender fish practically melted in my mouth, while the bright citrus flavors danced on my taste buds. The sauce added a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, elevating the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

With each bite, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and the cherished memories we had shared together. Cooking this recipe had allowed me to honor her legacy and keep her spirit alive in my heart. I knew that she would have loved this Lemon-Lime Catfish just as much as I did, and I felt grateful for the love and knowledge she had passed down to me over the years.

As I finished my meal, I made a mental note to add this recipe to my collection of cherished family favorites. The Lemon-Lime Catfish had not only satisfied my hunger, but it had also nourished my soul with its comforting flavors and nostalgic ties to the past.

In that moment, I realized that cooking was so much more than just following a recipe. It was a way to connect with loved ones, create lasting memories, and savor the simple joys of life. And for that, I would always be grateful.