Seafood > Catfish > Smoked Catfish

Smoked Catfish with Roasted Red Pepper Relish Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Smoker
- Charcoal or wood chips
- Baking sheet
- Food processor or blender

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the catfish fillets.
4. Place the catfish fillets on the smoker rack and smoke for 1-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. While the catfish is smoking, roast the red bell peppers on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is charred and blistered.
6. Remove the peppers from the oven and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the peppers steam for 10 minutes.
7. Remove the skin, seeds, and stems from the peppers and chop them into small pieces.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar.
9. In a food processor or blender, pulse the roasted red peppers, chopped red onion, minced garlic, and olive oil mixture until it forms a chunky relish.
10. Season the relish with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Serve the smoked catfish fillets with a spoonful of roasted red pepper relish on top.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1-2 hours
Temperature:
- Smoker temperature: 225°F
- Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any firm white fish can be substituted for catfish.
- Smoked paprika can be substituted with regular paprika.
- Red wine vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.

Variations:
- Add diced jalapeno or serrano peppers to the relish for a spicy kick.
- Use the roasted red pepper relish as a topping for grilled chicken or steak.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the catfish is cooked to the correct temperature.
- Make the relish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover smoked catfish and roasted red pepper relish in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the smoked catfish in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- The roasted red pepper relish can be served cold or at room temperature.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the smoked catfish fillets on a bed of rice or quinoa.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted asparagus
- Grilled zucchini
- Mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the catfish is not fully cooked after smoking, finish cooking it in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and cooking surfaces before and after handling raw fish.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the catfish is cooked to the correct temperature.

Food history:
- Smoking fish has been a traditional method of preserving fish for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
- The smoked catfish has a smoky and savory flavor, while the roasted red pepper relish adds a sweet and tangy element.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

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Taste: Smoky, Tangy, Spicy, Savory, Herbal