Fried Catfish Fingers with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Description
A catfish recipe.

Ingredients

 * Fried Catfish Fingers:
 * 2 cups white cornmeal
 * salt and freshly ground black pepper
 * U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets, cut into 1-inch wide strips
 * Peanut oil for deep frying
 * For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:
 * 3/4 cup white wine vinegar
 * 1/2 teaspoon salt
 * 1/2 teaspoon coursely ground black pepper
 * 1 shallot, finely chopped
 * 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
 * 2 green onions, thinly sliced
 * 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions
1. To prepare the catfish, place cornmeal in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper. Dredge catfish strips in cornmeal mixture, shaking off the excess. Set aside on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.

2. Pour 2 inches of peanut oil into a deep fryer or large, heavy skillet and heat to 375°F on a deep-frying thermometer. Add catfish strips to hot oil, three at a time, and fry in a single layer for 5 minutes, turning to cook evenly, until golden brown and fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt.

3. Prepare dipping sauce 1 minute before serving catfish fingers. Mix vinegar, salt, pepper, shallot, garlic, green onions and parsley in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.