Sweet Chili Sesame Fried Catfish with Quick Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• 12 oz catfish fillets
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted if possible)
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (15 minutes): Pat catfish dry and season with salt and black pepper. Cut into serving-size pieces if needed.

2. 2

   Prep (15 minutes): In a shallow bowl, toss catfish pieces with cornstarch until lightly coated.

3. 3

   Cook (12 minutes): Heat neutral oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry catfish in a single layer (work in batches if needed) until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.

4. 4

   Cook (12 minutes): While fish cooks, stir together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl. When fish is done, reduce heat to medium and brush or spoon glaze over the catfish; cook 1 minute to set.

5. 5

   Prep (15 minutes, quick salad): Meanwhile, thinly slice cucumber. Toss with rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and chili flakes (if using).

6. 6

   Serve: Plate catfish and drizzle with any remaining glaze. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the fish and serve with the quick cucumber salad.