Substitute for catfish?

[SizzlininIN]

DH can no longer eat catfish......it flares up his gout. What type of fish can I use in its place. I have eaten it, especially in my youth, but honestly I cannot recall the taste and what I can compare it to.

[buckytom]

i'd use monkfish, but i'm not sure if that's any healthier to eat, sizz.

[SizzlininIN]

Monkfish huh ....know what it is but I've never seen that available around here.

[TATTRAT]

Sounds like a case for talapia.

Monk fish is one of my faves, poor mans lobster, but I don't think it has that earthy quality that catfish has.

[buckytom]

i know what you mean tatt, but it was the closest i could think of in texture. the flavor of catfish will be difficult to duplicate, especially if it's wild, from the mississippi.

anyone ever try carp? it might be close, since they live in the same water.

[jennyema]

What about it flares up his gout?

[BreezyCooking]

I also wonder what about catfish causes gout episodes. If plain baked or broiled catfish does that, than any fish is going to do it. However, if you're talking about fried catfish, then it's more probably the cooking method than the fish itself.

Catfish is a pretty mild innocuous white-fleshed fish. I can't imagine any other mild white fish - tilapia, flounder, cod - not being able to "step in" for it. But again, plain-cooked white fish causing gout? If catfish does it, the substitutes are going to do it too.

[Jeekinz]

I thought you got the gout from booze? That's what my aunt used to always say.

[jennyema]

I found this: "Avoiding alcohol, high-purine foods, such as meat, fish, dry beans (also lentils and peas), mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, and cauliflower can lower plasma urate levels. In addition, consuming purine-neutralizing foods, such as fresh fruits (especially cherries and strawberries) and most fresh vegetables, diluted celery juice, distilled water, and B-complex and C vitamins can also help lower plasma urate levels."


Wow! All the stuff I like can cause gout!

Anyway, Sizz, perhaps he should avoid fish altogether?

[Uncle Bob]

Miss Sizz...

I am certainly not a M.D. I do however seriously doubt that Catfish alone is the culprit. There are many contributing factors in the metabolism of uric acid in ones body...not the least of which is a predisposition to the disorder. I would venture to guess that it is a combination of many things that causes you DH's flare-ups as it is in most cases. A diet high in protien can trigger an episode. It (gout) is often referred to as "Rich Man's Disease" due to the consumption of large amounts of high protein (expensive) meats, seafoods and some vegetables. IMHO it is the genetic predisposition of the disorder that is biggest culprit. The condition can become chronic and result in deformity in the joints. If the problem persist I would consult with your family physician. In some cases anti-inflamatory drugs can be prescribed to reduce inflamation and soreness. Salt (on fish?) can result in dehydration on some level which can trigger an episode as well.

There is no subsitute for Mississippi Pond Raised Catfish. I garontee it!

Enjoy