Black Bean-Garlic Catfish

If you’re on the fence about catfish, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how the pungent black bean-garlic sauce balances the fish’s strong flavor. Serve with udon noodles (or brown rice) and sauteed broccoli with ginger.

Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces catfish fillets, patted dry and cut into 2 portions
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons black bean-garlic sauce (see Note)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped scallion, plus more for garnish
• 1 1/2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons water
• Pinch crushed red pepper

Directions
1. Place flour in a shallow dish. Sprinkle catfish with garlic powder and salt. Dredge the catfish in the flour, shaking off the excess (discard the remaining flour).

2. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the fish and cook, turning once, until golden brown and just cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.

3. Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/2 teaspoon oil, black bean-garlic sauce, 1 1/2 teaspoons scallion, vinegar, water and crushed red pepper in a small bowl.

4. Serve the fish with the sauce and garnish with more scallion, if desired.

Ingredient Note: Black bean-garlic sauce, a savory, salty sauce used in Chinese cooking, is made from fermented black soybeans, garlic and rice wine. Find it in the Asian-foods section of most supermarkets or at Asian markets. Refrigerate for up to 1 year.