Fried Catfish Over Dirty Rice With Cajun Shrimp Cream Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious dish:

For the Fried Catfish:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Dirty Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• ½ lb ground beef sausage
• ½ cup chicken livers, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cajun Shrimp Cream Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup onion, finely diced
• 1 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ lb chopped shrimp
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (drained if canned)
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

• Step 1: Make the Dirty Rice: In a skillet, brown the ground sausage and chicken livers (if using) over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper; cook until soft. Stir in garlic and rice, toasting for 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 18–20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and mix in green onions.
• Step 2: Fry the Catfish: Soak fillets in buttermilk for 15 minutes. In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, flour, and spices. Coat fillets well. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry each fillet for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
• Step 3: Prepare the Cajun Shrimp Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until soft. Add garlic, then stir in shrimp, tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Pour in cream, simmer for 3–5 minutes until thick. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley.
• Step 4: Assemble the Dish: Spoon dirty rice onto plates, top with crispy catfish, and drizzle with shrimp cream sauce. Garnish with green onions or parsley. Serve immediately.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen catfish fillets?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading to achieve that crispy texture.

2. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free cornmeal and flour for the catfish coating and opt for gluten-free sausage for the dirty rice.

3. Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?

Certainly! You can use chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option in the cream sauce.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the texture.

5. What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad or coleslaw pairs well with the richness of this meal. Sweet cornbread also complements the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

Fried Catfish over Dirty Rice with Cajun Shrimp Cream Sauce is a dish that brings the flavors of the South to your table. It’s a delightful combination of crispy, creamy, and savory elements, making it perfect for a family gathering or a special occasion. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!