Ingredients:

 

4 catfish fillets

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

 

1. Prepare the Marinade:

 

In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This creates a flavorful marinade for the catfish.

2. Marinate the Catfish:

 

Place the catfish fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the catfish, making sure each fillet is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the fish will absorb.

3. Preheat the Grill:

 

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Catfish:

 

Remove the catfish fillets from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the fillets on the preheated grill. Grill the catfish for about 4-5 minutes per side or until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Baste the catfish with the remaining marinade during grilling to enhance the flavor and keep the fish moist.

5. Glaze with Maple Syrup:

 

During the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, brush the fillets with a bit of extra maple syrup to create a caramelized glaze. Be careful not to burn the syrup; it should just slightly caramelize and enhance the flavors.

6. Serve:

 

Carefully remove the catfish fillets from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy your unique American BBQ fish dish, infused with the smoky flavors of the grill and the sweet, tangy essence of maple syrup!