Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this beautiful dish:
For the Fried Catfish:
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ 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)
- ½ cup onion, diced
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp thyme
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cajun Shrimp Cream Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb chopped shrimp
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (drained if canned)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ 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 and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and rice; toast the rice 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 brown. 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, and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. 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.
FAQ
1. What can I substitute for catfish?
You can use other firm white fish like tilapia or cod.
2. Can I make this dish in advance?
While you can prepare the dirty rice and the sauce ahead of time, it’s best to fry the catfish just before serving to maintain its crispness.
3. Is dirty rice gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure that the sausage and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
4. How can I make this dish milder?
Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and avoid using any additional spicy ingredients.
5. What sides pair well with this dish?
Coleslaw or a simple green salad would complement this dish nicely.
Conclusion
This Fried Catfish over Dirty Rice with Cajun Shrimp Cream Sauce recipe is a Southern classic that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends. With its layers of flavor and textures, it’s a dish that embodies comfort and culinary joy. Try it out at your next dinner gathering and watch it become a favorite among your guests!
