Oven-Blackened Catfish and Savory Grits

Ingredients:

1 pound U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Savory Cheese Grits:

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup water
½ cup half-and-half
¾ cup quick grits
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon paprika
1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon white pepper
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese

BRING chicken broth, water, and half-and-half to a boil over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook 5 to 7 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Add remaining ingredients, stirring until well blended. Remove from heat. Allow cooling slightly.

Instructions:

1.PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

2.CREATE a spice rub by combining paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano and garlic powder.

3.LINE a sheet pan with foil and lightly brush with olive oil.

4.PAT fillets dry. Brush with olive oil.

5.RUB both sides of fillets with spice rub.

6.PLACE serving side up on oiled pan and bake 15 to 20 minutes or until nicely browned.

7.SERVE with Savory Cheese Grits

Blackened Catfish

Ingredients:

• 1  tablespoon  paprika
• 1  teaspoon  dried oregano
• 1/4  teaspoon  cayenne pepper
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 4  6-ounce catfish fillets
• 1  tablespoon  olive oil

Directions:

1. Heat broiler. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, oregano, cayenne, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
2. Place the fillets on a baking sheet. Lightly coat both sides with the oil, then rub with the spice mixture.
3. Broil the fish until opaque throughout and slightly charred, 3 to 5 minutes per side.

Blackened Catfish

INGREDIENTS:

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons lemon pepper

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons pepper

1 pound catfish fillets

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup Italian-style salad dressing

DIRECTIONS:

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.

2.In a shallow, medium bowl, mix cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Brush both sides of catfish fillets with butter. Rub fillets with the cayenne pepper mixture on both sides.

Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until really hot. Add fillets, and fry approximately 2 minutes on each side, until slightly blackened.

3.Arrange blackened fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, and coat with Italian-style salad dressing. Bake 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven until fish is easily flaked with a fork.