Crispy Curry Catfish Sandwich with Chili-Lime Slaw

By tulawdog

Ingredients

• For the Slaw:
• 2 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 tablespoons juice from about 2 limes
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Sambal chili sauce
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded napa cabbage
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• For the Sandwich:
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 catfish fillets, cut in half (about 1 pound total)
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• Lime wedges, for squeezing
• 1 French bread roll, about 16 inches in length

Preparation

Step 1

For the Slaw: whisk together the canola oil, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and sambal in a large bowl. Add the shredded cabbages and cilantro and toss to combine. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2
For the Fish: Combine the curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle on all sides of the catfish fillets. Place the rice flour in a shallow dish, then dredge the catfish fillets in the rice flour, shaking off any excess.

3
Heat the canola oil in a large cast-iron pan over medium high heat until shimmering. Place the catfish fillets into the pan, working in batches if necessary. Fry the catfish until crisp and golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer the fried catfish to a platter lined with paper towels and season immediately with salt and pepper. Repeat until all fish is cooked.

4
Divide the bread into 4 equal pieces, then split each in half horizontally. Divide the slaw among 4 of the bottom halves of the bread, then place a piece of catfish on each sandwich. Top with the remaining halves of the bread and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the fish.