That sounds like an epic survival meal! Catching a big catfish and turning it into a spicy, grilled feast is a perfect way to fuel up. Here’s a simple, survival-style recipe to grill that catfish with a spicy chili kick:
### Grilled Spicy Chili Catfish
#### Ingredients:
– **1 large catfish** (whole or fillets, depending on what you caught)
– **2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil** (or whatever fat you have)
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 tablespoon chili powder** (or more if you like it hot)
– **1 teaspoon smoked paprika** (for smoky flavor)
– **1 teaspoon ground cumin**
– **1-2 fresh chilies** (like jalapeños or serranos), finely chopped (or use dried chili flakes if fresh isn’t available)
– **1 tablespoon soy sauce** or fish sauce (for umami)
– **1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice** (if you have it, to add acidity)
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
– Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley (optional, if available)
#### Instructions:
1. **Prep the Catfish**: If you’re working with a whole catfish, gut and clean it (make sure to remove the scales, and you can leave the skin on for grilling). If you’re using fillets, pat them dry with a cloth or paper towel.
2. **Make the Marinade**: In a small bowl, mix the oil, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, chopped fresh chilies (or chili flakes), soy sauce, and lime/lemon juice. Stir until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
3. **Marinate the Fish**: Rub the marinade all over the catfish. If it’s a whole fish, make sure to get the marinade inside the cavity as well. Let it sit for at least 20-30 minutes, or longer if you have the time (even better if you can let it marinate for a couple of hours).
4. **Grill the Fish**: Prepare your fire or grill. If you’re cooking over an open flame, make sure the grill is at a medium-high heat. Place the catfish on the grill and cook it for about 4-6 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of the fish), flipping it carefully with tongs. The fish should be golden and crispy on the outside, while staying moist and tender on the inside.
5. **Finish with Fresh Herbs (Optional)**: If you have some fresh cilantro or parsley, sprinkle it over the fish after grilling for a fresh, vibrant finish.
6. **Serve & Enjoy**: Serve your grilled spicy catfish with a side of roasted veggies or any wild greens you might have found. If you’re lucky enough to have some rice or a starch, that could be a great addition.
This method gives you a flavorful, smoky, and spicy catfish that’s perfect for survival situations or a flavorful outdoor meal! You could even make it into a simple fish taco if you have tortillas on hand.
