……and Hoppin’ John

Cooking Sequence

  • Prepare rice recipe and let stand (25 minutes)
  • Prepare fish and complete rice; serve (25 minutes)

Cooking Instructions

 Batter-Fried Pompano

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb boneless pompano fillets
1 cup onion ring batter mix
3/4 cup ice water
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup canola oil
Cocktail sauce or tartar sauce, if desired

Steps

  1. Cut pompano into large chunks (about 2 inches squared); chill until ready to cook (wash hands).
  2. Whisk batter mix, water, pepper sauce, and pepper in large bowl until smooth and well blended; batter will be thick. Place flour on plate (may be paper).
  3. Preheat large sauté pan on medium-high 3–4 minutes. Place oil in pan; swirl to coat. Dip pompano pieces in flour, lightly coating both sides, then shaking off any excess. Dip into batter, turning to coat completely, and then allowing excess to drip off.
  4. Add half of the fish to pan (wash hands); fry 3–4 minutes on each side or until batter is crisp and golden. Place on paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining fish; add a little more oil, if needed. Serve with sauce.

 Hoppin’ John

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 cup trinity vegetable mix (fresh diced onions, bell peppers, celery)
1 (15.5-oz) can black-eyed peas (undrained)
1 cup instant rice
1 cup canned Italian-style diced tomatoes (undrained)
2 tablespoons cooked bacon pieces

Steps

  1. Preheat medium saucepan on medium 2–3 minutes. Place oil in pan; swirl to coat. Add trinity mix and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring often, or until vegetables begin to soften.
  2. Stir in remaining ingredients (except rice); bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir rice into boiling mixture, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand (covered) 10–20 minutes or until rice is tender. Serve.

Aprons Advice

  • Complete your meal with cocktail or tartar sauce, coleslaw, cornbread and banana pudding.
  • Shortcuts and Tips
  • For the best results, don’t make batter in advance. Make it immediately before dipping the fish. Use sparkling water to make the batter even lighter and crispier.
CapMel Staff
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