Paper Sack Catfish

Recipe courtesy of Screen Doors and Sweet Tea by Martha Hall Foose

Serves 6

Ingredients: 
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 6 (6-ounce) domestic catfish fillets, rinsed and patted dry
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 sprigs fresh dill
  • 1 lemon, sliced into 6 thin rounds

Paper Sack Catfish

Paper Sack Catfish

Click image to enlarge

 

Method: 

With nonstick cooking spray, lightly spray all over the outside of six lunch-size paper sacks. The bags should be slightly translucent after spraying. Cut six 8-inch lengths of butcher's twine. Set aside.

Adjust the racks in the oven, placing one in the lowest slot and one in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the garlic, salt, oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Place the catfish in a single layer in a dish. Pour the sauce evenly over the fish, and then sprinkle with the pepper. Place one dill sprig and one lemon slice on each fillet. Gently slide one fillet into each paper sack. Gather the mouth of the bag and give it a twist, then tie with twine.

Place three bags on a large rimmed baking sheet and the other three on another baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, halfway through reversing the pans. Serve at once, placing an inflated sack on each dinner plate. For maximum effect, slice open the bags at the table.


 

Louisiana Recipes Weekly



 

Every Thursday you'll receive new recipes, events & festivals and more. See archive