Cornmeal-Crusted Basa (Catfish) with Homemade Tartar Sauce and Kalyn's Ratatouille Wanna-Be

A few weeks ago, I discovered basa fish, which was super-duper on sale at IGA and had the "sustainable fish" stamp of approval on it (I try to be aware of which fish are on the do-not-eat list, typically).  Upon coming home and researching, I have discovered that basa is indeed a Vietnamese catfish, and is being shipped worldwide due to its large numbers and nutritional value.  So, take that as you will.  I will buy it again when I see it.  The fillets are HUGE, and it's relatively low-calorie.

Sometimes, I feel like having some good ol' Southern-style food.  Fried catfish is one of those things.

First!  Homemade tartar sauce, because you want this to sit for at least an hour before you eat it.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
Juice of 1 lemon
3 T. minced dill pickle (or sweet relish, but I prefer the sour aspect)
1 T. dill
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.  Taste and correct any ingredients (you may want more dill, more pickle, whatever).  Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before eating.  That was easy!

Fish time!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup finely ground corn meal
1/2 t. half-sharp paprika
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1/2 t. thyme
1/2 t. oregano
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. ground black pepper

2 basa fillets (I have no idea how big mine were, really...)

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Fill a large, heavy-bottomed skillet with enough oil to fill it about 1/2 inch from the bottom.  Heat over medium-high heat.

Mix corneal and spices/herbs on a plate or shallow bowl.

Dredge both sides of the fish in the cornmeal mix, pressing to make sure the fish is well-coated.

Your oil is ready when, if you dip your fingertips in some water and flick water droplets at the surface of the oil, it sizzles and pops and generally goes crazy.

Fry your fish for about 6 minutes on each side (or according to the packaging), until golden brown and crispy.  Place on a plate with paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Serve immediately with your tartar sauce and a side of your choice!  The ratatouille wanna-be recipe can be found here.

 I also enjoyed a mojito :D.