The Ryan Newman Foundation

Talladega, AL — NASCAR’S Ryan Newman held off Dale Earnhardt Jr. to take the checkered flag at Talladega Superspeedway. This didn’t happen on the track, but on the infield, where a panel of judges chose Newman’s Beer Battered Fried Catfish over Junior’s Baked Catfish Stuffed With Gumbo at the first ever NASCAR Catfish Cook-Off. NASCAR president, Mike Helton, and driver Joe Nemechek were among the judges that chose Newman’s catfish earning the Ryan Newman Foundation the $10,000 award for first place. The contest was sponsored by The Catfish Institute, a non-profit organization comprised of growers and processors of U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish, to build awareness for America’s leading farmed fish.

Newman's fried catfish with its unique beer batter was a unanimous choice among the judges. Earnhardt’s dish, which is served in the Trophy Room at DEI headquarters, also received praise from the judges. Catfish fillets were stuffed with a unique gumbo and served over grits. The two recipes were judged on the basis of taste, visual appeal, ease of preparation and use of catfish.

“Catfish is the favorite fish of NASCAR fans,” said Roger Barlow, President of The Catfish Institute. “U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is an all-American product and a healthful, safe choice; consumers have the satisfaction of knowing that it is farmed in an environmentally responsible way.”Newman’s recipe will be available at the Atlanta Motor Speedway from October 27th through 29th at The Catfish Institute booth in the Corporate Display Area. Free samples of this winning recipe will be given out to race patrons.

The Catfish Institute (TCI) was founded by a group of Mississippi catfish farmers and feed manufacturers in 1986 to promote “Genuine U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish.” TCI's membership expanded in 1993 to include U.S. feed mills in other commercial catfish-producing states, including Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana and, later, North Carolina. Today, the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish industry employs more than 13,000 Americans in the South, creating a $4+ billion positive economic impact to the region. Click here for more information about the Catfish Institute.

Ryan Newman’s Award WinningBeer Batter Fried Catfish
* 1/2 cup unsifted all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon Everglade seasoning, optional
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
* 3/4 cup room-temperature beer
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* Vegetable oil
* 1 pound U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets, cut into 3 to 4 inch wide strips
1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, Everglades seasoning (if using), baking powder, paprika, white and red peppers and oregano.
2. If not using Everglade seasoning, add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. Whisk in beer and egg until smooth.
4. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
5. When ready to cook: In a deep skillet or large pan, pour vegetable oil to the depth of 3 inches; heat to 375°F.
6. Stir batter and fold in catfish. When oil is hot, lift fish strips with tongs, draining excess batter; place catfish in oil several pieces at a time (do not over crowd).
7. Fry until well browned on all sides, about 3 minutes. Remove to paper towels to drain. Keep warm, repeat with remaining catfish.
YIELD: About 24 pieces
Original recipe by Jim Campbell of Griffin, Georgia