Ranchero Catfish

Ranchero Catfish Recipe from Mexico with Chili Powder and Lime Juice

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

Introduction

Ranchero Catfish is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines U.S. Farm-Raised catfish fillets with a crunchy tortilla chip coating and zesty salsa. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Ranchero Catfish is a modern twist on traditional Mexican flavors, combining the crispy texture of tortilla chips with the tender and flaky catfish fillets. This dish is a fusion of Tex-Mex and Southern cuisine, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

4 U.S. Farm-Raised catfish fillets
1 cup finely crushed tortilla chips
2 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
3 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup salsa
For garnish: chopped fresh cilantro

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2. Cut each Catfish fillet in half. Rinse in cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Mix crushed tortilla chips and chili powder in a shallow dish or on a piece of wax paper. Mix lime juice and oil in another shallow dish. Dip Catfish in the lime mixture, then immediately dredge in the seasoned tortilla crumbs to coat. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle Catfish with any remaining tortilla crumbs. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp and golden and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
4. Warm salsa in a small saucepan over low heat. Arrange Catfish on serving plates and spoon salsa across the center. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve.

Variations

Substitute the catfish fillets with another type of white fish, such as tilapia or cod.
Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions to the salsa for extra flavor.
Use crushed corn flakes or panko breadcrumbs instead of tortilla chips for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the catfish fillets dry before coating them in the lime juice and tortilla chip mixture to ensure a crispy coating.

- Be sure to preheat the oven to the correct temperature to ensure that the catfish cooks evenly and becomes golden and crispy.

- Serve the catfish with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ranchero Catfish with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the catfish fillets in the oven ensures that they become crispy and golden without the need for frying.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a slightly different flavor.

- Substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil or melted butter for a richer taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tortilla chip coating and salsa ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the catfish fillets on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Ranchero Catfish with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, and a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover catfish 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

Each serving of Ranchero Catfish contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ranchero Catfish contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ranchero Catfish contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ranchero Catfish contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ranchero Catfish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and gluten from the tortilla chips.

Summary

Ranchero Catfish is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Ranchero Catfish is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. With a crispy tortilla chip coating and zesty salsa, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. My abuela, my grandmother, was renowned for her amazing cooking skills and she passed on her knowledge to me.

One hot summer day, I was helping my abuela in the kitchen, watching her cook up a storm as she always did. She was making a delicious fish dish that smelled heavenly. When I asked her what it was, she told me it was Ranchero Catfish, a traditional Mexican recipe that had been in our family for generations.

As she cooked, she shared with me the story of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, each adding their own unique twist to it.

I was captivated by the history and tradition behind this dish, and I begged my abuela to teach me how to make it. She smiled at me and handed me a pen and paper, telling me to write down the ingredients and instructions as she went along.

I watched intently as she prepared the catfish, marinating it in a blend of spices and herbs that filled the kitchen with an intoxicating aroma. Then she sautéed onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers in a skillet until they were soft and fragrant, before adding the marinated catfish to the mix.

As the catfish cooked, my abuela told me about the significance of each ingredient in the dish. The tomatoes represented the earth, the onions symbolized the sky, and the bell peppers represented the sun. It was a dish that celebrated the beauty and abundance of nature, a dish that brought people together in joy and celebration.

Finally, after the catfish had simmered in the sauce for a while, my abuela ladled it onto a plate and handed me a fork. I took a bite and was instantly transported to another world. The flavors danced on my tongue, each bite bursting with a harmony of spices and freshness that I had never experienced before.

From that moment on, Ranchero Catfish became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over or there was a special occasion to celebrate, my abuela would whip up a batch of this delicious dish and everyone would gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter as we enjoyed the meal together.

As I grew older and moved away from home, I took the recipe with me, carrying on the tradition that had been passed down to me by my abuela. I shared it with my friends and loved ones, each time adding my own unique touch to the dish.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing Ranchero Catfish for my own grandchildren, I think back to that day when I first learned the recipe from my abuela. I am grateful for the memories and the traditions that she passed down to me, and I know that this dish will continue to bring joy and togetherness to my family for generations to come.