Ingredients

Four 6-ounce U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Oil, for frying
2 cups cornmeal
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon crab boil seasoning, such as Old Bay
Tomato Relish, recipe follows

Tomato Relish:
2 cups seeded and diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
Zest and juice of 1 lime

Directions

Sprinkle the fish with the olive oil, salt and pepper, and place into a deep dish. In a small bowl, combine the mustard and thyme. Mix together and spread onto both sides of the fish. Top with the lemon zest and juice. Put in the fridge to marinate for 2 to 3 hours.

Preheat a deep fryer to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, combine the cornmeal and flour together. Sprinkle the crab boil seasoning on top of the fish and dredge in the cornmeal mixture. Place in the deep fryer for 3 to 4 minutes, and then remove to paper towels. Serve with Tomato Relish.

Tomato Relish:
In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, onions, jalapeno and lime zest and juice. Cover and chill for up to 3 days. Yield: about 2 cups.

Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen