Ep 20. The Catfish Will Rise Again

The Catfish Will Rise Again is the final episode of the thirteenth season of Good Eats, and in it, host Alton Brown explores the many ways in which catfish can be prepared.

Brown begins by addressing the common misconception that catfish is a bottom-feeder fish that tastes muddy. In reality, he explains, freshwater catfish are a diverse species with a range of flavors and textures. The key, he says, is in knowing how to choose the right catfish for the right dish.

To illustrate this point, Brown prepares three dishes featuring catfish from different regions of the United States. The first is a classic Southern-style catfish dish, which involves coating the fish in a cornmeal-based breading and frying it to crispy perfection. Brown notes that Southern catfish tend to have a firmer texture than their Northern counterparts, making them ideal for this method of preparation.

Next, Brown travels to the Mississippi Delta to learn about the rich tradition of catfish farming in the region. He visits a farm where catfish are raised in giant ponds, and shares tips for selecting farm-raised catfish at the grocery store. Brown then demonstrates a recipe for catfish tacos, which features a Mexican-style spice blend and a tangy cilantro-lime slaw.

Finally, Brown heads to the Northeast to explore the world of catfish caught from the wild. He visits a commercial fishing boat on the Hudson River and gets a firsthand look at the unique technique used to catch catfish using a specialized rig called a "slipweight." This type of catfish, Brown explains, has a soft texture that makes it ideal for recipes like catfish jambalaya. He shares his recipe for this classic Creole dish, which is loaded with spicy sausage, bell peppers, and a flavorful tomato sauce.

Throughout the episode, Brown sprinkles in insights and anecdotes about the history and culture surrounding catfish. He touches on topics like the origins of catfish farming, the role of catfish in Southern cuisine, and the cultural significance of catfish in African American traditions.

As always, Brown's trademark humor and knack for breaking down complex culinary concepts into simple, easy-to-follow steps make this episode both entertaining and informative. Fans of Good Eats won't want to miss The Catfish Will Rise Again, which serves as a fitting conclusion to another great season of the beloved food show.