Sandwiched
20130303-243018-sandwiched-crispy-curried-catfish-sandwiches-with-chili-lime-slaw.jpg

Photographs: Marvin Gapultos

About the author: Marvin Gapultos is the author of the Filipino food blog, Burnt Lumpia. His first cookbook is due out in 2013. You can follow him on Twitter @BurntLumpia.

Every recipe we publish is tested, tasted, and Serious Eats-approved by our staff. Never miss a recipe again by following @SeriousRecipes on Twitter!

About This Recipe

Yield: Makes 4 sandwiches
Active time: 25 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Special equipment: Cast-iron pan

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

Procedures

  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.