Foodidude's "Nearly Famous" Catfish Cakes

Photography by Len Boccassini

        Today, more than ever, the rising costs of meat, poultry and fish prices often make fancy at-home meals somewhat prohibitive to indulge in on a regular basis, particularly when on a budget and trying to feed a family. Regardless of one's standing in life, seeking a "deal" is something we all do, and we each can appreciate the feeling we get when we feel as if we've gotten a bargain on something special. And these catfish cakes are something special.

        Yes, we all love crab cakes, but we are also well familiar with the expense tied to the ingredient list to make enough to feed an entire family. If that is what keeps you from indulging in a succulent crab cake dinner, I implore you to give these Catfish Cakes a whirl. At between $2.99 and $4.99 per pound for catfish nuggets (meaty chunks of catfish that end up in the "oops" bin while fileting), they are every bit as moist, succulent and tasty as crab cakes, but at a fraction of the price.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb. catfish nuggets (or filets)
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 3-4 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce (optional)

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 375º

2. Place catfish on baking sheet and cook 18 minutes until flaky.

3. Remove from oven and let cool.

4. Combine all remaining ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly (as shown in photos above).

5. Flake cooked and cooled fish with fork as shown below.

6. Gently fold flaked fish into mixture.

7. Gently form into five or six patties of equal size, and place in hot oil over medium heat. Cook approximately 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated throughout.