A sophisticated twist on a Southern classic – Our grits-crusted catfish packs the satisfying crunch of perfectly pan-fried catfish paired with the fresh, vibrant flavors of grape tomatoes, basil and lemon.
Ingredients
- 2 Heartland Catfish Fillets
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Tablespoons Water
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- ¾ Cup Yellow Grits
- ¼ Cup Olive Oil, reserve 1 Tablespoon
- 1 Pint Grape Tomatoes, halved lengthwise
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- ¼ Cup Basil, sliced, reserve 1 Tablespoon for garnish
- 1 Lemon, sliced
- 1-2 Tablespoons Capers
Instructions
Begin by beating eggs and 2 tablespoons of water and placing in a shallow dish long enough to fit the catfish fillet. In a separate shallow dish or plate, combine grits, salt and pepper and seasoning of your choice and place alongside the egg mixture.
Pat catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Dip the catfish fillet in the egg mixture, turning to coat. Let the excess egg mixture drip off the fillet.
Place the fillet in the grits mixture, allowing it to rest for 1-2 minutes on each side. Using your hands, gently pat the grits on all sides of the fillet to ensure complete coverage. Repeat with second fillet.
Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet over a medium flame.
When the oil is shimmering, carefully place fillet in skillet one at a time.
Allow fillet to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove fillets to a wire rack to maintain crispiness of crust. Wipe skillet clean.
Add reserved tablespoon of oil to skillet over medium flame. When oil is shimmering, add tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until they start to wilt and blister.
Add chopped garlic, basil, capers and lemon slices to the skillet.
Cook until lemon starts to caramelize.
Serve fillets topped with tomato mixture and garnish with remaining fresh chopped basil.
Grits-Crusted Catfish with Tomatoes, Basil & Lemon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 Heartland Catfish Fillets
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Tablespoons Water
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- ¾ Cup Yellow Grits
- ¼ Cup Olive Oil, reserve 1 Tablespoon
- 1 Pint Grape Tomatoes, halved lengthwise
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- ¼ Cup Basil, sliced, reserve 1 Tablespoon for garnish
- 1 Lemon, sliced
- 1–2 Tablespoons Capers
Instructions
- BEGIN by beating eggs and 2 tablespoons of water and placing in a shallow dish long enough to fit the catfish fillet. In a separate shallow dish or plate, combine grits, salt and pepper and seasoning of your choice and place alongside the egg mixture.
- PAT catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Dip the catfish fillet in the egg mixture, turning to coat. Let the excess egg mixture drip off the fillet.
- PLACE the fillet in the grits mixture, allowing it to rest for 1-2 minutes on each side. Using your hands, gently pat the grits on all sides of the fillet to ensure complete coverage. Repeat with second fillet.
- HEAT the oil in a cast iron skillet over a medium flame.
- WHEN the oil is shimmering, carefully place fillet in skillet one at a time.
- ALLOW fillet to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove fillets to a wire rack to maintain crispiness of crust. Wipe skillet clean.
- ADD reserved tablespoon of oil to skillet over medium flame. When oil is shimmering, add tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until they start to wilt and blister.
- ADD chopped garlic, basil, capers and lemon slices to the skillet.
- COOK until lemon starts to caramelize.
- SERVE fillets topped with tomato mixture and garnish with remaining fresh chopped basil.
- Prep Time: 15 Mins
- Cook Time: 15 Mins