Cherry Tomato Tequila Butter Salsa With Fried Fish

Name: Cherry Tomato Tequila Butter Salsa With Fried Fish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Marinade and coating for fish; 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 clove crushed garlic; 2 fillets of catfish; 1/2 cup corn meal; 1/2 teaspoon salt; ground black pepper; Tequila Butter Salsa; 2 cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half); 1-2 jalapeno pepper, chopped; 1/2 onion, chopped; 1 clove crushed garlic; 1/2 tablespoon chopped cilantro stems; 1 teaspoon lime zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; water or chicken stock; 1-2 shots tequila; lime juice and/or zest to taste; 2-3 tablespoons soft butter; 2 chopped green onions for garnish

Servings: persons

Marinade and coating for fish
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 clove crushed garlic
2 fillets of catfish
1/2 cup corn meal
1/2 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper
Tequila Butter Salsa
2 cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
1-2 jalapeno pepper, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove crushed garlic
1/2 tablespoon chopped cilantro stems
1 teaspoon lime zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
water or chicken stock
1-2 shots tequila
lime juice and/or zest to taste
2-3 tablespoons soft butter
2 chopped green onions for garnish

1
Mix the olive oil, lime juice, and garlic with the fish (or chicken) in a non-reactive bowl and let rest for 1 hour.
2
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, garlic, cilantro stems, and lime zest and begin cooking it down, stirring occasionally. It should be well cooked down and bright red, and the juices should be a bit reduced. Add stock or water to the salsa if needed to keep it from sticking. Add tequila; I go for 2 shots of tequila and add a bit more lime zest and lime juice for mine. Cook some more until the juices are reduced.
3
Heat a thin layer of butter and/or oil in another large saute pan over medium high heat. Season the corn meal with salt and pepper, dredge the fish and fry in the olive oil or butter until golden brown on both sides, flipping once, about 1-2 minutes. Remove to a warm oven while you finish the sauce.
4
To finish: Stir in a few tablespoons of softened butter off heat. Do this off the heat as you want the butter to make a creamy sauce. Serve over the fish. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with lime wedges. Note: A nice crunchy finishing salt as an option for guests can be served along side the dish.

459

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 21 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Marinade and coating for fish, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 clove crushed garlic, and more.

Yes, Cherry Tomato Tequila Butter Salsa With Fried Fish falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!