Time to dine: KT’s Seafood fries up 4.8 stars of tasty catfish and seafood dishes

You know how every devout fisherman has his or her favorite fishing spot? Well, I have a favorite spot for catfish of the fried variety. And that spot is KT’s Seafood right here in Rusk, at the four-way across from Runnin’ Rudy’s.

It was a Saturday afternoon and I had a hankerin’ for some good fried catfish.

If you’ve been to KT’s then you know the menu is stacked with delicious options -- from steaks to seafood to Chinese food? Yes people, Chinese food. Their shrimp and chicken fried rice and three-piece egg rolls are one of my many favorites here but, I digress.

Today, the fried catfish filets are swimming in my mind. We arrive and go inside, immediately greeted by some of the friendliest staff I’ve met. On this day, Mel was serving us. She brought our menus, with a huge smile and took our drink order. Sweet tea for me and a water for the wifey.

I knew what I wanted but my wife was unusually unsure about what she would order, but made up her mind as soon as Mel sat our drinks on the table. The five-piece fried catfish for me and fried fish and shrimp for her.

As an appetizer, we decided on the hush puppies. Hot and fried to perfection, I highly recommend them. I prefer to dip them in a mixture of ketchup and tartar sauce. Try at your own risk. I mix a little extra for my fish filets. Platters are served with your choice of cole slaw or a salad.

Personally, I prefer the slaw. It’s fresh and tasty and even better with lots of black pepper. In my opinion, pepper is the new salt. Everything tastes better with pepper and it’s easy on the ol’ blood pressure. Once I finish the slaw, I use the little bowl it’s served in to make my catfish dipping sauce. About the time I’m making this tasty little mixture, our entrees are served. Piping hot and looking every bit of delicious, time to grub!

Now, I don’t know about you but, I like to shower my catfish with fresh squeezed lemon. Me thinks it adds more flavor but, of course, to each his own. The catfish doesn’t really need more flavor. It can be heartily enjoyed all on its own. Served with a heaping helping of french fries, the five-piece catfish platter isn’t for just any ol’ appetite. This plate is for a truly hungry individual!

The catfish filets are fried to perfection, golden brown and oh, so flaky. The batter is thick and crunchy and satisfies with every delectable bite! A seafood connoisseurs dream.

In the years we’ve frequented KT’s or gone through their super convenient drive through, they’ve never disappointed. Not like a fast food restaurant where you get your food and go home and BAM -- they forgot to give you one of your items. No sir! The staff at KT’s are very thorough.

Back to my catfish experience. So, I couldn’t finish my plate. Which is fine because nothing closes out the day better like a homemade fish sandwich. But that’s for later.

The portions at KT’s are plentiful. My wife usually orders the grilled chicken breast platter, which is served with steamed veggies and a baked potato.

She never finishes it. Good for me because I usually end up eating it later that evening. But not today. She ordered the fish and shrimp and, she ate every bit. She said the shrimp is so good, she almost ate the tails! Almost. Don’t eat the tails, people. Not good for the tummy. Unless it’s crawfish. Then, it’s okay. You know the drill: pinch, pull, consume. Repeat as needed. But that’s a whole other review now isn’t it? In closing, the fried catfish is a masterpiece and should be enjoyed as often as possible.

Unless you have a cholesterol issue. In that instance, maybe once a week. You’ll be fine. Maybe exercise a little. Take a short brisk walk. You know what’s good for you, as I know what’s good for me. That’s the fried catfish from KT’s. On a 5 star scale, I give KT’s 4.8 stars! I’ve tried just about everything on their menu so they’ve truly earned that rating.

KT’s has always been good to us. Absolutely delicious food served with a side of good ol’ East Texas courtesy. It’s a recipe for continued success.

Hope this review, at the very least, made you hungry. If so, get yourself and your family down to KT’s Seafood. Take a break from cooking and treat yourselves. It’s well worth it. Until next time, stay well fed my friends.

Ramiro de la Cruz II is a resident of Rusk and is very much a food enthusiast. While not a professional food critic, he’s been eating his whole life and knows what he likes. He’s happy to share his insights on the cuisine offered in the area with all the good people of East Texas.