Stuffed Catfish Recipe – Seafood Dinner Ideas

Stuffed Catfish is a Southern classic that combines crispy, golden catfish fillets with a rich, flavorful filling made of shrimp, spinach, mozzarella, and cream cheese. This dish is perfect for family dinners, seafood platters, or even a romantic dinner date. The best part? It’s ready in just 35 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Catfish Recipe

• Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of the crispy, golden crust and the creamy seafood filling is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it a great option for busy evenings.
• Southern Comfort: With its rich seafood stuffing and golden crust, stuffed catfish brings all the flavors of Southern cuisine to your table.
• Versatile: It’s perfect for casual meals, family dinners, or special occasions.

Ingredients for Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp

For the Stuffing:

• 1 cup cooked spinach (either sautéed or frozen, drained)
• 1 cup shrimp (Gulf shrimp or jumbo shrimp, peeled and chopped)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) — can substitute with cheddar or parmesan
• 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a Southern flavor)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Catfish:

• 4 large skinless catfish fillets (flounder or tilapia also work well)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
• 2 large eggs (beaten for egg wash)
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (mixed with parsley for extra crunch)
• Fresh parsley (1 cup, chopped)
• Olive oil for frying (for golden crispy fried catfish)
• Toothpicks or butcher’s twine to secure the stuffed fillets

How to Make Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Stuffing

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, chopped shrimp, shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. The stuffing should have a creamy consistency with pieces of shrimp and spinach throughout.

Step 2: Stuff the Catfish

1. Lay the catfish fillets flat on a cutting board.
2. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the stuffing onto one side of each fillet.
3. Carefully fold the other side of the fillet over the stuffing and secure the edges with toothpicks or butcher’s twine. This ensures the stuffing doesn’t leak out during cooking.

Step 3: Bread the Catfish

1. Set up a breading station with three bowls:
   • Bowl 1: Flour for coating the fillets.
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs (egg wash).
   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with chopped parsley for an extra crunch.
2. Coat each stuffed fillet in the following order:
   • Lightly coat the fillet with flour for a crisp base.
   • Dip it into the egg wash.
   • Finally, coat it in the panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coverage.

Step 4: Fry the Catfish

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F).
2. Place the breaded stuffed fillets into the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
3. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the fillets from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

1. Once the stuffed catfish is fried, remove any toothpicks or butcher’s twine before serving.
2. Serve the stuffed catfish immediately while it’s still crispy.

Helpful Tips for Stuffing Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and spinach make a big difference in the flavor of the stuffing.
• Secure the Fillets Well: Toothpicks or butcher’s twine help prevent the stuffing from leaking out during cooking.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the fillets in batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Air Frying Option: For a healthier alternative, you can air fry the stuffed catfish at 400°F for 12 minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Catfish

Pair your stuffed catfish with any of these delicious sides:

• Southern Collard Greens: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with stuffed catfish.
• Garlic-Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes that complement the rich seafood filling.
• Cornbread or Hush Puppies: Southern comfort food staples that go well with catfish.
• Sweet Tea: Cool and refreshing, sweet tea is the perfect beverage to accompany a Southern seafood feast.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 20g
• Cholesterol: 185mg
• Vitamin A: 12% DV
• Calcium: 20% DV

This recipe provides a great balance of healthy fats and protein, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Storage & Leftovers for Stuffed Catfish

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the stuffed catfish tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, use an air fryer or oven set at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring the catfish stays crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I cook stuffed fish in place of cooking it?

• Yes! You can bake the stuffed catfish at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for an evenly crispy texture.

2. What is the best type of cheese to use for stuffing catfish?

• Mozzarella is the best choice for its creamy, melty texture. However, cheddar or parmesan also work well if you prefer a sharper flavor.

3. Can I use frozen fish fillets?

• Yes! Just make sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry to remove any excess water before stuffing and frying.

4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

• It can be! For a low-carb version, swap out the breadcrumbs for almond flour and pork rinds.

Related Recipes for Seafood Lovers

• Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe: A great option for a delicious keto-friendly dinner.
• Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet: A healthy and easy weeknight dinner.

Conclusion

Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp is the ultimate Southern seafood dish. It combines a creamy, flavorful seafood stuffing with a crispy golden crust, making it a hit at any dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual weeknight meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. What sides did you pair it with?

Happy Cooking!