Tony’s Southern Blackened Catfish with Cajun Cornbread

Ingredients

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each), skin removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp Salted Perfection Raleigh Select Blend
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp Salted Perfection Raleigh Select Blend
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium jalapeño, finely diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet (about 15x10 inches) with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and 1 tsp Salted Perfection Raleigh Select Blend. This is your blackened spice mix. Mix well.
3. Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle both sides with olive oil, then generously coat each fillet with the blackened spice mix. Press spices in for maximum flavor – don’t be shy.
4. Place fillets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork. Timing depends on thickness, so keep an eye on ‘em.
5. While the fish bakes, grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk together cornmeal, yellow cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and 1 tsp Salted Perfection Raleigh Select Blend.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk almond milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until combined. Stir in diced jalapeño, red bell pepper, onion, garlic, and corn kernels.
7. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Don’t overmix or your cornbread will be as tough as a two-bit hustler.
8. Pour batter into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Remove cornbread from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice into squares and serve alongside the blackened catfish.
10. Visit www.saltedperfection.com and leave a Five Star review. DUNZO!