Catfish With Spicy Tomato Sauce and Pecans
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Catfish
Calories per Serving: 400.5
This simple yet flavorful Catfish With Spicy Tomato Sauce and Pecans recipe is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that can be prepared after a busy day. The combination of tender catfish fillets topped with a spicy tomato sauce infused with cilantro, lime, and crunchy pecans offers a delicious balance of tangy, spicy, and nutty flavors. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light rice pilaf or even pasta, making it a versatile option for any weeknight dinner.
When tomatoes are in season, feel free to substitute the canned variety with fresh, juicy red tomatoes for an even more vibrant, summery taste. The pecans add a delightful crunch, while the cilantro and lime provide freshness, making this recipe a delightful fusion of flavors.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Green onions (chopped) | 5 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Pecan halves | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Limes (juice) | 2 |
| Lime zest | 1 lime |
| Salt (divided) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh ground black pepper | To taste |
| Catfish fillets | 4 (6 oz each) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 74.7 mg |
| Sodium | 602.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 11.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g |
| Sugars | 5.1 g |
| Protein | 27.2 g |
Instructions:
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for the catfish fillets.
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Prepare the tomato sauce mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, green onions, minced garlic, pecan halves, chopped cilantro, olive oil, red pepper flakes, lime juice, lime zest, and salt (save a pinch of salt for seasoning the fillets). Stir everything together until evenly mixed. Set this aside while you prepare the fish.
-
Season the catfish fillets: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray. Place the catfish fillets in the dish and season with the remaining salt and a few cracks of fresh ground black pepper.
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Assemble the dish: Pour the prepared tomato sauce mixture evenly over the fillets, making sure they are well coated with the flavorful mixture. This will help infuse the fish with all the tangy, spicy goodness.
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Bake the catfish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the fish begins to flake easily with a fork and is fully cooked through. The sauce will thicken slightly as it bakes, creating a savory, aromatic topping for the fish.
-
Serve and enjoy: Remove the dish from the oven and serve immediately. For added freshness, garnish with lime wedges on the side, which can be squeezed over the catfish just before eating to enhance the citrusy flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this catfish dish alongside a white and wild rice pilaf for a complete meal. The light, fluffy rice complements the bold flavors of the fish and sauce.
- Alternatively, you can serve the catfish over pasta, which will absorb the spicy tomato sauce and offer a satisfying base for the fish.
Additional Tips:
- Substitute other fish fillets: If you can’t find catfish, this recipe works wonderfully with other white fish fillets like tilapia, cod, or halibut.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. For more heat, you can add a bit more or include some finely chopped jalapeños to the tomato mixture.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the tomato sauce mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add it to the fillets before baking for a quick meal when you’re ready.
Enjoy this vibrant and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike!
Rating: 4/5
Review Count: 2
