Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRalph & Kacoo'sBean & Cat Recipe

Bean & Cat Recipe

Inspired by Ralph & Kacoo's
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Thin cut catfish and charro beans with French fries and a hushpuppy.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Catfish

Charro Beans

French Fries

Hushpuppies

Method

Catfish

  1. 1

    Prepare the Catfish

    Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Coat the Catfish

    In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dip each fillet into buttermilk, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture until well coated.

  3. 3

    Fry the Catfish

    Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the catfish fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Charro Beans

  1. 4

    Soak the Beans

    Rinse and soak the pinto beans in water overnight or for at least 6 hours.

  2. 5

    Cook the Beans

    In a large pot, add soaked beans and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour until beans are tender.

  3. 6

    Prepare the Charro Beans

    In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent. Stir in tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Combine this mixture with the cooked beans and simmer for an additional 20 minutes.

  4. 7

    Finish the Charro Beans

    Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving.

French Fries

  1. 8

    Prepare the Potatoes

    Wash and peel the russet potatoes. Cut them into thin strips to resemble French fries.

  2. 9

    Fry the Fries

    Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot. Fry potato strips in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, sprinkling with salt while hot.

Hushpuppies

  1. 10

    Prepare the Batter

    In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

  2. 11

    Mix in Wet Ingredients

    Add chopped onion, milk, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

  3. 12

    Fry the Hushpuppies

    Heat oil in a deep skillet. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

More from Ralph & Kacoo's