---
title: Stuffed Catfish Recipe – Seafood Dinner Ideas
url: https://optimalrecipes.com/stuffed-catfish-recipe-seafood-dinner-ideas/
author: Patricia Jannet
published: 2025-02-18
updated: 2025-02-18
image: https://optimalrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Stuffed-Catfish-Recipe-–-Easy-Seafood-Dinner-Idea_jpg.webp
categories: ["Dinner Ideas"]
site: Optimal Recipes
---

# Stuffed Catfish Recipe – Seafood Dinner Ideas

> Enjoy your new favourite Southern seafood meal! Today, we're cooking the perfect golden crispy treat: Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp. If you like dishes such as flounder that is stuffed with seafood as well as the crab-stuffed fish this recipe is sure to be a staple for your family's dinners. Let's cook this creamy, cheesy crisp seafood creation together!...

![Stuffed Catfish Recipe – Seafood Dinner Ideas](https://optimalrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Stuffed-Catfish-Recipe-–-Easy-Seafood-Dinner-Idea_jpg.webp)

## Article

Enjoy your new favourite *Southern seafood meal*! Today, we’re cooking the perfect golden crispy treat: **Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp**. If you like dishes such as *flounder that is stuffed with seafood* as well as *the crab-stuffed fish* this recipe is sure to be a staple for your family’s dinners. Let’s cook this *creamy, cheesy crisp* seafood creation together!

### Introduction:

Stuffed catfish is an adored Southern recipe that is known for its crisp crust and rich filling. Mixing freshly-caught shrimp, fresh spinach and mozzarella, with crispy catfish. This recipe delivers both taste and comfort. It’s an excellent option for *evening meals on the go*, *seafood platters* or even for a *romantic dinner date*. It’s also prepared in only *35 minutes!*!

## The ingredients used to make Stuffed Catfish with cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp:

Be sure to have these ingredients to cook this tasty *seafood dish recipe*:

- Four large fillets of catfish (skinless) (skinless) ( Best fish for stuffing: Catfish, Flounder, or Tilapia)

- 1 cup cooked spinach (Sauteed spinach or frozen spinach, drained)

- 1 cup of shrimp ( Gulf shrimp or Jumbo shrimp, peeled and cut)

- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese (shredded) (shredded) ( Can substitute with cheddar or parmesan cheese)

- 1 cup of cream cheese (softened) (softened) ( Adds creaminess to the seafood filling)

- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder ( Fresh garlic is also effective)

- 1 tablespoon paprika ( Smoked paprika gives it an Southern accent)

- Black pepper and salt to taste

- 1 cup of all-purpose flour ( Use gluten-free flour to make an easy gluten-free seafood recipe)

- Two huge eggs (beaten) (beaten) ( Egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick)

- 1 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs ( Crispy breadcrumbs to make an crispy golden crust)

- Fresh parsley 1 cup (chopped)

- Olive oil to fry ( For golden crispy fried catfish)

![](https://optimalrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Stuffed-Catfish-Recipe.webp)

Stuffed Catfish Recipe – Optimalrecipes.com

## How to make Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp Step by Step:

### Step1 – Make the Seafood Stuffing:

In a large bowl, mix:

- Shrimp chopped (raw or cooked)

- cooked spinach (chopped and then drained)

- Mozzarella and cream cheese

- Garlic powder salt, paprika powder as well as black pepper

Combine until smooth and evenly blended. This stuffing is similar in taste to *mushrooms stuffed with seafood* or *Salmon stuffed with cheese and spinach*.

### Step2 – Stuff the Catfish:

- Place an filet of catfish flat on the cutting board.

- Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of stuffing onto one side.

- Fold the other side inwards and secure it using toothpicks. ( Similar technique as making stuffed chicken breasts)

### Step3 – Bread the Catfish:

- Establish a breading station.:

Bowl 1: Flour

- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs (egg wash)

- Bowl 3. Panko Breadcrumbs mixed in parsley

- Each fillet is coated in this order:

Flour (light coat for crispiness)

- Eggwash ( helps breadcrumbs stick)

- Panko mixture (for extra crunch)

### Step4 – Fry the Catfish:

- Warm the olive oil in a large pan to 350 degF (medium-high temperature).

- Place the breaded fish fillets in the pan.

- Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each for each side until crispy and golden brown..

### Step5 – Drain and Serve:

- Place the cooked fish on a lined plate with a paper towel to remove excess oil.

- Take care to remove toothpicks prior to serving.

## helpful tips for stuffing Catfish with cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp:

- Make use of the freshest ingredients available: Freshly caught shrimp as well as spinach can make a impact.

- Fillets should be sealed well: Toothpicks or butcher’s twine to stop leaks from stuffing.

- Do not overcrowd your pot: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.

## Cooking Tips for the Best Stuffed Catfish:

- Try air-frying: Air fry at 400 deg F during twelve minutes to enjoy a healthier and crispy option.

- Make use of a cast iron pan: Perfect for getting the Golden crust that is Southern in style.

- Season each layers: Season the flour eggs, egg wash and breadcrumbs to add flavor.

## Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Catfish:

Serve your catfish stuffed with:

- Southern collared greens

- Garlic-mashed potatoes

- Cornbread or Hush puppies

- Cool sweet tea

## Nutritional Information:

*A healthy seafood option for dinner* that is balanced with healthy fats and protein.

### Nutrient Details (per portion):

- Calories: 420 kcal

- Protein: 32g

- Carbohydrates: 15g

- Fat: 20g

- Cholesterol: 185mg

- Vitamin A: 12% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

## Storage and Leftovers for Stuffed Catfish:

- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for upto three days.

- Cook: Use an air fryer or an oven set at 350 degrees to cook for 10-minutes.

- Freeze Cover with plastic wrap, then keep it in the freezer in the freezer for up to two months.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Stuffed Catfish:

**A1: Should I cook stuffed fish in place of cooking it?**Yes! Bake at *400 degrees F* to *twenty minutes* with the flipping halfway through to ensure crispness.

**Q2 Which is the best type of cheese to fill a catfish with?**Mozzarella is smooth and stretchy. However, *cheddar* or *parmesan* are also good choices.

**Q3 What if I used fish fillets frozen from the freezer?**Yes, however, you must let them completely thaw and then pat dry to get rid of any excess water prior to frying.

**Q4 Is this recipe keto-friendly?**It can be! Replace *the almond flour* and *pork rinds* in place of breadcrumbs to make it *low in carbs.*.

## Related Recipes for Seafood Lovers:

Explore other tasty seafood recipes from [The Optimal Cookbook](https://optimalrecipes.com/):

- #### Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe – Best Keto Dinner Ideas

- #### Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet – Easy Healthy Dinner

## Conclusion:

Its *filled Catfish with cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp* is a real Southern delicious dish that blends *delicious seafood filling* with a *crisp gold crust*. It doesn’t matter if you’re cooking it for an *special celebration dinner* or an everyday *regular seafood dinner for a weeknight* you’re sure to become a favorite of the family.

**Do it now and tell us how it went! What side did you pair it with? Let us know your suggestions by commenting below!**

Happy Cooking!

	

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![](https://optimalrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Stuffed-Catfish-Recipe-–-Easy-Seafood-Dinner-Idea_jpg.webp)

 
 

## Stuffed Catfish Recipe – Seafood Dinner Ideas

	
 
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- Author: Patricia
 

 
	

 
 
 
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### Description

 
 Welcome to your new favorite *Southern seafood dinner*! Today, we’re making a crispy, golden delight: **Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp**. If you love dishes like *seafood-stuffed flounder* or *crab-stuffed catfish*, this recipe will become a go-to for your family dinners. Let’s make this *cheesy, creamy, and crispy* seafood masterpiece together!

 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
 

### Ingredients

 
 
 
 Scale
 1x2x3x 
 
 
 
 

- 4 large catfish fillets (skinless) – (Best fish for stuffing: Catfish, Flounder, or Tilapia)

- 1 cup cooked spinach (Sautéed spinach or frozen spinach, drained)

- 1 cup shrimp (Gulf shrimp or jumbo shrimp, peeled and chopped)

- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) – (Can substitute with cheddar or parmesan cheese)

- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened) – (Adds creaminess to the seafood stuffing)

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Fresh garlic works too)

- 1 teaspoon paprika (Smoked paprika adds a Southern touch)

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 1 cup all-purpose flour (Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free seafood recipe)

- 2 large eggs (beaten) – (Egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick)

- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (Crispy breadcrumbs for a golden crust)

- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

- Olive oil for frying (For golden, crispy fried catfish)

 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 

### Instructions

 
 
 

### Step1 – Make the Seafood Stuffing:

In a large bowl, mix:

- Chopped shrimp (raw or cooked)

- Cooked spinach (chopped and drained)

- Mozzarella and cream cheese

- Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper

Combine until creamy and evenly mixed. This stuffing is similar to *seafood-stuffed mushrooms* or *stuffed salmon with spinach and cheese*.

### Step2 – Stuff the Catfish:

- Place a catfish fillet flat on your cutting board.

- Add 2–3 tablespoons of stuffing to one side.

- Fold the other side over and secure it with toothpicks.(Similar technique as making stuffed chicken breast)

### Step3 – Bread the Catfish:

- Set up a breading station:

Bowl 1: Flour

- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs (egg wash)

- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with parsley

- Coat each fillet in this order:

Flour (light coat for crispiness)

- Egg wash (helps breadcrumbs stick)

- Panko mixture (for extra crunch)

### Step4 – Fry the Catfish:

- Heat olive oil in a large skillet to 350°F (medium-high heat).

- Carefully place the breaded fillets in the pan.

- Fry for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

### Step5 – Drain and Serve:

- Place cooked fillets on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

- Carefully remove toothpicks before serving.

 
	
	
	
 
	
 
 

### Notes

 
 

- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and spinach make a difference.

- Seal the fillet well: Toothpicks or butcher’s twine prevent stuffing leaks.

- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches for even cooking.

- Try air frying: Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes for a healthier, crispy alternative.

- Use a cast-iron skillet: Ideal for achieving that Southern-style golden crust.

- Season every layer: Season the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 

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**Source**: [Stuffed Catfish Recipe – Seafood Dinner Ideas](https://optimalrecipes.com/stuffed-catfish-recipe-seafood-dinner-ideas/)
**Site**: Optimal Recipes - https://optimalrecipes.com/
**Author**: Patricia Jannet

*If you cite this recipe, please link to: https://optimalrecipes.com/stuffed-catfish-recipe-seafood-dinner-ideas/*