Asian-Style Braised Catfish

Recipe by: Jay Weinstein | from The Ethical Gourmet

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 30 Minutes

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Inexpensive

Photo by: Joey De Leo

This simple, low-fat preparation is one of the many ways catfish is served in Asia. Many people are surprised by the very clean taste of today’s catfish, which is harvested from environmentally sustainable enclosed fish farms, rather than the muddy channels where it was harvested decades ago.

Black bean garlic sauce is available in the Asian sections of many markets or online from www.importfoods.com, www.asianfoodgrocer.com or www.kalustyans.com.

Yield: Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

3 scallions, cut into 2-inch lengths
1 cup sliced onions
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound catfish fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons Chinese fermented black bean garlic sauce
1 cup water or stock
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
Cooked rice or rice noodles for serving

Directions

In a 12-inch skillet over high heat, sauté the scallions and onions in the vegetable oil.

Season the catfish liberally with salt and pepper. Add the fish to the pan, and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat; add the fermented black bean garlic sauce and water or stock.

Simmer a few minutes until the fish is tender, then thicken the sauce with the cornstarch mixture. When the sauce has thickened, serve the dish over rice or rice noodles.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information is based on 1/8 teaspoon added salt per serving and does not include rice or rice noodles for serving.

Calories 245kcal (12%)

Calcium 28mg (3%)

Vitamin C 5mg (8%)

Vitamin A 23mcg RAE (1%)

Potassium 447mg

Magnesium 38mg

Protein 20g

Sugar 2g

Fiber 1g