Stir-fried Catfish

Stir-fried Catfish Recipe with Bell Pepper and Mushrooms

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Stir-fried Catfish is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender catfish fillets with a variety of colorful vegetables. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.

History

Stir-fried Catfish is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, where stir-frying is a common cooking technique. The combination of tender catfish with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce creates a harmonious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

3 tbsp of lemon juice
3 tbsp of soy sauce
U.S. Farm-Raised catfish fillets, cut into thin strips
3 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 cup of thinly sliced red bell pepper
1 cup of sliced celery
1 cup of snow peas
1 cup of sliced mushrooms
2 tbsp of cornstarch
0.75 cup of water
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cooked rice for serving

How to prepare

1. In a shallow dish, mix lemon juice and soy sauce. Add Catfish fillet strips and toss to coat with marinade. Set aside for 20 minutes to marinate.
2. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add bell pepper, celery, snow peas, and mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove vegetables from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and heat for 2 minutes. Drain the Catfish, reserving the marinade. Add the Catfish to the pan and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until it flakes easily when tested with a fork. Add the sautéed vegetables to the pan. Mix cornstarch, water, and the reserved marinade in a small bowl, stirring until smooth. Add to the wok and cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide rice among serving plates and top with stir-fried Catfish and vegetables.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or chicken for the catfish for a different flavor.
Add your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or water chestnuts for variety.
Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, adding more soy sauce or chili sauce for extra heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the catfish fillets into thin strips to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.

- Marinating the catfish in a mixture of lemon juice and soy sauce adds flavor and helps to tenderize the fish.

- Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crisp texture and vibrant colors.

- Be sure to stir the cornstarch mixture well before adding it to the pan to prevent lumps in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stir-fried Catfish over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok or skillet, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking. This technique helps to retain the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have catfish, you can use any firm white fish such as tilapia or cod. You can also use tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the catfish and prepare the vegetables ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Store the marinated catfish in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Stir-fried Catfish in a large serving bowl or on individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Stir-fried Catfish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. Serve with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Stir-fried Catfish contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

Stir-fried Catfish contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Stir-fried Catfish contains approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Stir-fried Catfish is a rich source of protein, with approximately 25 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Stir-fried Catfish is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and fish allergens.

Summary

Stir-fried Catfish is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Stir-fried Catfish is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a flavorful combination of tender catfish, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for stir-fried catfish. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished visiting a local farmer's market in search of fresh ingredients for my next culinary adventure. As I perused the aisles, my eyes landed on a stall run by an elderly Vietnamese woman. She had a small array of fish on display, including some beautiful catfish fillets that caught my attention.

Intrigued by the thought of incorporating catfish into my cooking repertoire, I struck up a conversation with the woman. She told me that she had learned this recipe from her own grandmother many years ago, and it had been a family favorite ever since. Eager to learn more, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. With a smile, she agreed and began to recount the steps involved in creating this flavorful dish.

To start, she explained that the key to making a delicious stir-fried catfish lies in marinating the fish in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar. This allows the flavors to penetrate the delicate flesh, infusing it with a savory sweetness that is truly irresistible. After letting the fish sit for a bit to absorb the marinade, she advised me to heat a wok with some oil until it shimmered and then add the catfish fillets, cooking them until they were golden brown and crispy on the outside.

As the catfish sizzled in the wok, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma, the woman shared with me some of the memories she had of cooking this dish with her grandmother. She spoke of lazy afternoons spent in the kitchen, with the sound of sizzling oil and the laughter of loved ones filling the room. It was clear that this recipe held a special place in her heart, and I felt honored to be entrusted with it.

Once the catfish was cooked to perfection, she instructed me to remove it from the wok and set it aside while I prepared the sauce. This involved sautéing onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes in the same wok until they were soft and fragrant, then adding a mixture of fish sauce, soy sauce, and a splash of water to create a rich and savory sauce that would coat the fish perfectly.

As I followed her instructions, I couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity of the recipe and the depth of flavor it produced. It was a true testament to the beauty of home cooking – a tradition passed down through generations, each cook adding their own unique touch to create something truly special.

Finally, it was time to assemble the dish. I placed the catfish fillets back into the wok, nestling them among the vegetables and spooning the sauce over the top. With a final sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime, the dish was complete.

I couldn't wait to take my first bite, and as I did, I was transported to a place of pure culinary bliss. The catfish was tender and flaky, with a crispy exterior that gave way to a burst of flavor from the marinade and sauce. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my palate, leaving me craving more.

From that day on, stir-fried catfish became a staple in my cooking repertoire. Whenever I prepare it, I am reminded of the kind Vietnamese woman who shared her recipe with me and the love and tradition that went into creating it. It is a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that can be found in exploring new recipes and sharing them with others. And for that, I am truly grateful.