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Chefs, this recipe is about as Southern as it gets. Before frying it up, we’re coating our catfish with buttermilk and Cajun spices—then we’re doing it again, to give the fillets hearty crusts with spectacular flavor and texture. To round out the dish, we’re serving two classic, simple sides: sautéed collard greens and mashed sweet potatoes. And, of course, we’re completing our catfish with its traditional condiment: creamy tartar sauce.
See PlansWash and dry the fresh produce. Heat a medium pot of salted water to boiling on high. Place the catfish fillets on a high-sided sheet pan (or baking dish); pour the buttermilk over the fillets and let marinate for at least 10 minutes. Peel and medium dice the sweet potatoes. Peel and mince the garlic. Remove and discard the collard green stems; thinly slice the leaves. Finely chop the parsley leaves and stems.
Add the sweet potatoes to the pot of boiling water. Cook 14 to 16 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Off the heat, add the butter. Using a fork, mash the mixture to your desired consistency; season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and set aside in a warm place.
While the sweet potatoes cook, place the spice blend on a plate; season with salt and pepper. Working 1 at a time, remove the marinated catfish fillets from the buttermilk (letting any excess drip off, but reserving the buttermilk); thoroughly coat with the spice blend (tapping off any excess). Dip the coated fillets back into the reserved buttermilk, then thoroughly coat again with the spice blend.
While the sweet potatoes continue to cook, in a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a thin layer of oil on medium-high until hot. Once the oil is hot enough that a drop of the coating sizzles immediately when added to the pan, add the coated catfish fillets. Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; immediately season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish. Carefully discard the oil and wipe out the pan.
In the pan used to cook the catfish, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the garlic and collard greens; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 4 minutes, or until the collard greens have wilted. Transfer to a serving dish.
While the collard greens cook, in a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish and half the parsley; season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the cooked catfish fillets with the tartar sauce, cooked collard greens and mashed sweet potatoes on the side. Garnish with the remaining parsley. Enjoy!
Tips from Home Chefs