Crispy Cornmeal-Encrusted Catfish Recipe with Black Bean Salsa

This tasty fried catfish recipe is crispy coated with a cornmeal crust.

Served with a black bean salsa, it makes a delicious fish dinner.

Those who are gluten intolerant have a difficult time with fried foods as they are often crusted with bread crumbs or flour.

This recipe uses tapioca flour and cornmeal, so it is a perfect gluten free recipe.

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes

Black Bean Corn Salsa:
15 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen corn kernels
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
4 green onions, chopped (including green parts)
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 small serano or jalapeno chile, minced (optional)
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

Catfish Recipe:
3 pounds boneless, skinless catfish fillets
1 large egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup tapioca flour
1/2 cup gluten-free cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
canola oil for panfrying
kosher salt for seasoning

Directions:
For the salsa, combine the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to blend. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.

Pat the fillets dry with paper towels and set aside. In a small bowl, beat together the egg and buttermilk. In a shallow bowl, mix together the cornstarch, 1/4 cup tapioca flour, the cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder and Old Bay seasoning.

In a large sauté pan, heat 1/2 inch of canola oil over medium-high heat.

Put 1/3 cup of tapioca flour in a shallow bowl and dredge both sides of the fish in the flour. Dip the floured fish into the egg mixture, and then into the cornmeal mixture. Panfry the fish until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side.

Lightly sprinkle the fish with salt and serve topped with the salsa.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving

Calories 881; Calories from Fat 291; Total Fat 32.4g; Saturated Fat 6.4g; Trans Fat 0.0g; Cholesterol 159mg; Sodium 1611mg; Total Carbohydrates 101.7g; Dietary Fiber 15.4g; Sugars 6.3g; Protein 47.7g; Vitamin A 16%; Vitamin C 24%; Calcium 22%; Iron 39%

(Percentages based on a 2000 calorie per day diet)