Once again a Friday during lent with my low-carbbing spouse has raised its head. No meat. Not even some poultry. Noodles? They’re out too.
I happen to live in a suburb of Cleveland that has traditionally attracted a lot of Polish and eastern European immigrants and during Lent we turn into the pierogi capital of the universe. 60-90 year old ladies fill church basements and kitchens making tens of thousands of the delicious little dumplings each week in time for the local parish fish fry (at every church in the area).
If you are not familiar with pierogi, think of a Polish ravioli, typically filled with potato and cheese (although you can really fill them with anything). Boil them up (like ravioli), then fry them up in a little oil. I also like to throw a little liquid smoke in the pan to really enhance the flavor. What pierogi are – delicious. What they aren’t – low carb. So, unfortunately, they are out this Lenten season for us. Instead, I made Cajun Fish.
Spice up the fish on both sides.
Fry it up in a little oil. Flip and fry some more.
Cover it with some salsa verde and serve. Nothing could be quicker or easer.
Cajun Fish With Salsa Verde
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 14 mins | Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 4 (6-8 ounce ) catfish fillets (I used haddock)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 3/4 cup mild salsa verde
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
1) Sprinkle fish on both sides with seasoning.
2) Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add half the fillets and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook until just opaque, 2-3 minutes longer. Transfer to plates. Repeat with remaining fish.
3) Meanwhile, combine salsa and cilantro. Serve fish, topped with salsa.
Rantings of an Amateur Chef 
I will try this with Basa fillet .. thanks for the idea.
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Perfect.
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I like it! A quick, easy dinner, and catfish is a family favorite for us. Thanks!
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My wife is still unsure of fish, and this looks like a great recipe to sway her the other way. Thanks!
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Looks delicious!
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Now you have me dreaming of fried fish ravioli!! Thanks for the like on the blog.
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The fish looks great, but I would prefer pierogis! I used to live outside of Buffalo, NY (another hotbed of Polish grandmothers), and remember those Lenten meals fondly 🙂
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I haven’t had a good pierogi in awhile… I know what I’ll be dreaming of…
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I’ve never heard of Pierogi before but it sounds amazing. I can’t do low-carb – I love all those stodgy starchy foods far too much!
Also, thank you for liking my blog post Food Diaries — Succulent and crispy duck leg confit! I really appreciate it.
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Yum to pierogi’s and catfish! We have soup suppers here on Fridays during lent rather than fish frys. It is definitely a tough time of year to go low carb!
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PIEROGI! So yummy!
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I am so jealous that you have access to pierogi during lent and such an abundance; fish fry in my neck of the woods is not so exciting. I unfortunately have to make them myself or fly to Poland (as if I need an excuse). Great catfish recipe.
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Love PIEROGI. Great Recipe!
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The little narrative about Clevland had me cracking up. While Perogi are delicious, that cat fish doesn’t look bad at all. In fact, having eaten a few too many fried catfish po’ boys recently, these images are making me hungry for something a little healthier.
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Hey, I lived in the New Orleans for six years including when Hurricane Katrina hit the area. I learned really fast to cook with Cajun seasoning. It is great with everything especially fish. Pan sauteing the fish with Cajan seasoning is wonderful. After you season the fish, you can even dip it lightly in a combination of half flour and half cornmeal mixture and then saute it. Either way, the fish is really delicious not to mention quick and easy. Diane Roark http://www.recipesforourdailybread.com
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I LOVE the cajun fish.. and your fish looks wonderfully season and so darn delicious. Wonderful dish
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Looks good will have to give it a try
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Just printed out this recipe. Can’t wait to try it!
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Great recipe, just have to pick up the fish.
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Just caught some catfish today…will try this tomorrow!
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