Catfish and Cole Slaw Po' Boys

If you're looking to whip up something quick, cheap and delicious, try our Catfish Po' Boys! For those with fast fingers, it'll take you about 20 minutes to make. If you're slow, maybe 30. Typically, Rick and I don't like cole slaw. It's either too mayo-y, too sweet or just plain ol' gross. I cringe at the memory of having to eat stale cole slaw in public school cafeterias. It tasted like the lunch ladies scrounged up random bits of veggies and fruit stuck under the wheels of their food stations, and then slapped in some mayo and an ungodly amount of sugar. NASTY. But, we've been inspired to make a cole slaw we both like, based on our taste. Cole slaw should be cool, refreshing, with the right balance of sugar, acidity and richness. Here's our recipe. It's finger lickin' yummy! Just be sure to have a lot of napkins on hand. 

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 - 3/4 lb. of catfish filet(s)
- 1/2 cup of your favorite fish fry breading mixture (we used Andy's Red Fish Breading)
- canola oil, for frying
Cole Slaw
- 3 cups of shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup of shredded carrot
- 1/2 cup of Best Foods Olive Oil Mayo
- 1 tsp. of rice vinegar 
- 1 tsp. of sugar
- 1 tsp. of Louisiana hot sauce, or to taste
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 vine tomato, sliced
- tartar sauce (optional)
- 1 loaf of fresh French baguette 

1. To make cole slaw, combine cabbage, carrot, mayo, rice vinegar, sugar, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Taste to make sure the flavors are balanced. Too dry, add more mayo. Too sweet, add more vinegar. Too tart, add more sugar. 

Set aside to let flavors marry.

2. Rinse catfish filet(s) in cold water. Shake off excess water. Cut and trim filets accordingly. Coat both sides well with breading mixture. 

In a skillet, heat 1/2 inch of canola oil. Fry catfish filets for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. 

Drain on paper towels. 

3. Cut French bread into two sections for serving. Assemble Po' Boy with cole slaw at the bottom, tomato and then catfish. 

If you must have tartar sauce, fine. But I don't think it needs it. Enjoy!