With firm white flesh and a mild taste, catfish is a versatile food that takes well to many different seasonings and preparations. Catfish is often served fried, but because it is a source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, it can be a nutritious food source if you avoid the extra fat and calories that come with frying. When caught fresh and cooked on a campfire, catfish can be part of an easily prepared, healthy meal.
Step 1
Lay the catfish on a cutting board and cut the dorsal fin off with a sharp knife. Slice around the entire perimeter of the head, just below the gills, and pull the head off the body. Some of the fish's entrails will likely stay attached to the head and come out as you pull the head off. Remove the fish's innards by slicing the fish lengthwise and scraping out the bones and organs. Cut off the tail and any remaining fins. Rinse the fish in clean water to eliminate any bacteria.
Step 2
Sprinkle or rub spices or seasoning of your choice directly onto the inside of the fish. For a simple meal stick to plain salt and pepper. If you're feeling more adventurous, try a spicy Cajun rub or a chipotle pepper seasoning.Catfish is a versatile fish and can stand up to many kinds of flavoring.
Step 3
Lay some kindling on your campfire site and light a fire. Add some firewood and let it burn until the flames die down to leave heated embers. You want your embers to be hot, but you do not want open flames. The fish will need the direct heat of the embers, but direct flame will burn the fish or cause it to disintegrate.
Step 4
Find a green stick and peel the bark off of it or use a skewer and stick it through the whole cleaned fish from the opening where the head once was to where you previously cut off the tail. Place the fish directly onto the coals, head side first, propping the stick up against the side of the fire pit. Allow the fish to cook on the coals for 10 to 15 minutes until the meat inside is opaque and flaky.
Tips and Warnings
- If you want to cook your fish over a roaring campfire, use a campfire grill and grill the fish as you would on a home grill or barbecue.
- If you catch your own fish, do not cook or eat any fish that look overly slimy, unhealthy or have a particularly foul odor.
Things You'll Need
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spices or seasoning
- Firewood and kindling
- Stick or skewer
References
- Earth Easy: Campfire Cooking
- Boy's Life: Unusual But Effective Cooking Methods
- 9th Huddersfield Scouts: Backwoods Cooking
- U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish: Catfish With Spicy Fireworks Rub
- MayoClinic.com: Catfish and Tilapia: Healthy or Harmful?
- Take Me Fishing: How to Clean & Prepare Your Fish
- New York State Department of Health: Vitamin D and Healthy Bones
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