Catfish Beignets With Remoulade Dipping Sauce

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/4 cup chopped green onions
3 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
Vegetable shortening for deep frying
1 teaspoon Rustic Rub (recipe follows)


Rustic Rub:
4 tablespoons paprika
1 1/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
3 tablespoons salt
1 1/4 tablespoons dried oregano

Remoulade Dipping Sauce:
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup green onions
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
3 tablespoons Creole or whole-grain mustard
3 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes or until slightly wilted. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the cayenne pepper. Add catfish pieces and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and green onions. Sauté for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and cool.
2. Mix eggs, milk, baking powder and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Add flour, 1/4 cup at a time, beating well until the batter is smooth. Fold in catfish mixture.
3. Heat shortening in a deep fryer or a large, heavy saucepan to 360°F on a deep-frying thermometer. Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, one at a time. When the beignets pop to the surface, roll them around with a slotted spoon to brown evenly. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle beignets with Rustic Rub and serve with Remoulade Dipping Sauce.
4. For Rustic Rub: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until well blended. The rub mixture can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Makes about 1 cup.
5. For Remoulade Dipping Sauce: Place all ingredients in a food processor and process for 30 seconds. Use immediately or refrigerate the sauce for several days in an airtight container. Makes 2 cups.