“Fried” Catfish BLTs

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  • 4

Ingredients

  • 8 slices bacon (about 7 oz)
  • 2 plum tomatoes
  • Kosher salt
  • 3/4 c mayonnaise
  • 1/4 c fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices firm white bread
  • 1/4 c Wondra or unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • Four 4 oz catfish fillets
  • 1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
  • 8 slices rustic bread
  • 4 large romaine lettuce leaves

Preparation

Step 1

Makes 4 Servings

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the bacon on a rack on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

2. Meanwhile, slice the tomatoes 1/3 inch thick. Lightly salt them on both sides and set them aside for 10 minutes; pat them dry. Combine the mayonnaise, basil, lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a blender and puree. Pulse the bread in a blender or food processor to make 2 cups fresh bread crumbs.

3. Spread out the flour and bread crumbs in separate pie plates lined with wax paper or parchment; beat the egg in a bowl. Season the catfish fillets with salt and pepper to taste; working with 1 fillet at a

time, toss them in the flour, lifting the wax paper on both sides to move them around; shake off the excess flour. Dip them into the egg, letting the excess drip off, and finally into the crumbs, shaking off

4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Sauté the catfish for about 5 minutes per side or until golden and just cooked through. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons

5. Toast the bread. Place 4 slices on serving plates and spread the top sides with some of the mayonnaise mixture; top each with lettuce, bacon, tomatoes and a catfish fillet. Spread one side of the remaining toast slices with the mayonnaise mixture and place them, mayo side down, on the sandwiches. Cut each sandwich in half and serve.