Catfish with Brown Butter-Pecan Sauce

Name: Catfish with Brown Butter-Pecan Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 4 catfish fillets (6 ounces each); 6 tablespoons butter, divided; 3/4 cup chopped pecans; 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; Lemon wedges

My husband is from the Midwest and grew up eating fried catfish. This dish is one of his favorites, and yet the rich, toasty pecans and tangy citrus are a perfect complement to any fish. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Ingredients

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 catfish fillets (6 ounces each)
6 tablespoons butter, divided
3/4 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Lemon wedges

Directions

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, salt, cayenne and pepper. Add catfish, one fillet at a time, and shake to coat. In a large skillet, cook fillets in 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat for 2-4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove fish to a serving platter and keep warm.
In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add pecans and cook over medium heat until toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in lemon peel and juice. Serve with fish and lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (calculated without lemon wedges): 574 calories, 46g fat (15g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.

Originally published as Catfish with Brown Putter Pecan Sauce in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2012