BLACKENED PADDLEFISH W/ SIMPLE CAJUN RICE

By Chef Jaime Teigen

Instagram: @chef_jaimeteigen
Website: www.mountainpinescatering.com

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

When I was asked the question, “Do you want to go paddlefishing?” I was hesitant - I didn’t even know what a paddlefish was. But after learning about this prehistoric creature, I was all in on harvesting one. It’s an addicting sport - and probably the most redneck one you can be part of. I’ve been lucky enough to harvest many of these incredible fish, but snagging a 98-pounder was the icing on the cake. If you ever get the chance, check out paddlefishing. You won’t regret the fun and hard work.

This flavorful recipe is a simple dish that takes only 30 minutes and uses just a few ingredients. You can use any fish you have in the freezer - it’s that versatile. Enjoy, and get out there and fish!

Ingredients:

·      4 Tablespoons olive oil

·      2 garlic cloves, minced

·      4 small, sweet peppers, diced

·      2 Tablespoons tomato paste

·      2 cups white rice, cooked per package directions

·      1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

·      2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

·      2 green onions, thinly sliced

·      1 Tablespoon blackened seasoning

·      4 paddlefish fillets

 

Instructions:

1.     Heat 2 Tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

2.     Add the peppers and garlic, sauté for about 3-5 minutes or until peppers soften slightly.

3.     Stir in tomato paste and allow it to warm through stirring constantly, about 2 minutes.

4.     Stir in the cooked rice, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice. Stir until the rice is warm. 

5.     Add green onions and toss well to combine.

6.     Pat paddlefish fillets dry with paper towels and season with the blackened seasoning on all sides.

7.     Heat remaining 2 Tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

8.     Place the paddlefish fillets in the hot oil, and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and flaky.

9.     Serve fish over the Cajun rice with a slice of lemon and green onions. Enjoy!