🌟 Broiled Catfish with Lime-Cilantro Butter on a Bed of Spaghetti 🌟
If you’re looking for a dish that sounds sophisticated but is actually quite simple to prepare, then look no further! This recipe for broiled catfish with lime-cilantro butter, served on a bed of spaghetti, is perfect for a quick and delicious after-work dinner for two. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – while we’ve used catfish here, any other firm-fleshed fish would work just as well. The inspiration for this recipe comes from the Chicago Tribune’s ‘Dinner Tonight’ column, and it has quickly become a favorite for its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation.
🍽️ Details
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Catfish, Spaghetti, Fruit, Nuts, Savory, Broil/Grill, < 30 Mins, Oven, Stove Top
- Servings: 2
- Calories per Serving: 888.9
⏳ Cooking Times
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 mins |
| Cooking Time | 15 mins |
| Total Time | 25 mins |
🍲 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 888.9
- Fat Content: 41.7 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 18.1 g
- Cholesterol Content: 135.8 mg
- Sodium Content: 836.2 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 86.2 g
- Fiber Content: 4.4 g
- Sugar Content: 2.3 g
- Protein Content: 40.5 g
🌟 Ingredients
- 1/2 pound spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, divided
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
- 2 catfish fillets
- 2 tablespoons ground pecans
🍳 Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions. This will be the base of your dish, providing a delightful contrast to the broiled fish.
-
Prepare the Lime-Cilantro Butter:
- While the pasta is cooking, combine the softened butter, minced cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice in a small bowl. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This mixture will add a burst of fresh, tangy flavor to both the fish and the pasta.
-
Broil the Catfish:
- Preheat your broiler to high. Place the catfish fillets in a roasting pan and brush half of the lime-cilantro butter mixture over them. Ensure the fillets are evenly coated. Broil the fish until it is browned, flaky, and cooked through, which should take about 6 minutes. Once done, set the fish aside and keep it warm.
-
Prepare the Pasta:
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Toss the pasta with the remaining lime-cilantro butter mixture, the reserved cooking liquid, and 1 tablespoon of the ground pecans. The reserved liquid helps to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Arrange the pasta on a serving platter, creating a bed for the fish. Place the broiled catfish fillets on top of the pasta. Garnish the dish with the remaining chopped cilantro and ground pecans, adding a lovely crunch and additional flavor.
-
Toast the Pecans:
- If you haven’t done so already, toast the pecans by placing them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning them. This step enhances the nuts’ flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the dish.
🌿 Tips for Perfect Execution
- Fish Substitutes: If you don’t have catfish, other firm-fleshed fish such as tilapia, halibut, or cod can work well. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Butter Consistency: Ensure the butter is softened to mix easily with the other ingredients. If it’s too hard, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it completely.
- Fresh Cilantro: Using fresh cilantro is key to achieving the vibrant flavor profile of this dish. Dried cilantro won’t provide the same fresh, aromatic quality.
- Lime Juice and Zest: Fresh lime juice and zest are essential for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice can have a different taste and might not give you the zing you’re looking for.
- Pasta Cooking Water: Reserving some pasta cooking water is a trick that helps to create a cohesive sauce. The starchy water adds body and helps the butter mixture cling to the pasta.
🍷 Serving Suggestions
Pair this delightful dish with a crisp, refreshing white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity and citrus notes in these wines complement the lime-cilantro butter beautifully.
🌈 Variations and Add-Ons
- Vegetable Medley: Add a colorful mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini to the pasta for extra nutrition and a burst of color.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lime-cilantro butter mixture.
- Nuts Variety: Substitute ground pecans with other nuts such as almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Herb Swap: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try using fresh basil or parsley for a different herbal twist.
🍋 Final Thoughts
This broiled catfish with lime-cilantro butter on a bed of spaghetti is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The combination of the flaky, tender fish with the tangy, herbaceous butter and the comforting pasta makes for a meal that feels both indulgent and light. The addition of toasted pecans adds an unexpected crunch that elevates the entire dish. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick yet impressive, and it’s sure to become a regular in your culinary rotation.
So, next time you’re in need of a delightful dinner for two, remember this recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and brings a touch of elegance to your table without requiring hours in the kitchen. Happy cooking! 🌟🍴😊
