Fried Catfish Over Dirty Rice with Cajun Crawfish Cream Sauce

This Fried Catfish Over Dirty Rice with Cajun Crawfish Cream Sauce is a bold and flavorful dish that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the American South. Crispy, golden catfish fillets sit atop a hearty bed of dirty rice, all smothered in a creamy, spicy crawfish sauce. It’s a show-stopping meal perfect for gatherings or indulging in Southern comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients

For the Fried Catfish :

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Dirty Rice :

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• ½ lb ground sausage
• ½ cup chicken livers, finely chopped (optional, for classic flavor)
• ½ cup onion, diced
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp thyme
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cajun Crawfish Cream Sauce :

• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ lb crawfish tails (or chopped shrimp as a substitute)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (drained if canned)
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dirty Rice

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage (and chicken livers , if using). Break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the onion , celery , and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes .
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the rice to the skillet and stir for 2–3 minutes , allowing the rice to absorb the flavors from the sausage and vegetables.
5. Pour in the chicken broth , Cajun seasoning , thyme , salt , and pepper . Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes , or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the green onions . Keep warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Fry the Catfish

1. Place the catfish fillets in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for 15 minutes .
2. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal , flour , Cajun seasoning , paprika , garlic powder , salt , and black pepper . Mix well.
3. Remove each fillet from the buttermilk and press it into the breading mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C) . Fry each catfish fillet for 3–4 minutes per side , or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Transfer the fried catfish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Crawfish Cream Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter .
2. Add the onion and bell pepper . Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes .
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the crawfish tails , diced tomatoes , and Cajun seasoning . Cook for 2–3 minutes , stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes , or until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the parsley just before serving.

Step 4: Put It All Together

1. Spoon a generous portion of dirty rice onto each plate.
2. Place a crispy fried catfish fillet on top of the rice.
3. Drizzle the Cajun crawfish cream sauce generously over the catfish and rice.
4. Garnish with extra parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy this decadent Southern-inspired feast!

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ingredients : Fresh crawfish tails and high-quality sausage elevate the dish significantly.
• Adjust spice levels : Taste the dirty rice and sauce before serving, and adjust the Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.
• Make it ahead : The dirty rice can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.
• Substitute proteins : If crawfish isn’t available, use chopped shrimp or even crab meat for the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of collard greens , cornbread , or a crisp green salad for a complete Southern-style meal.
• Pair with a cold glass of sweet tea or a light beer to balance the richness of the dish.

Enjoy this Fried Catfish Over Dirty Rice with Cajun Crawfish Cream Sauce —a vibrant, comforting, and utterly delicious dish that’s sure to impress!