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)
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:
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!
Print
Stuffed Catfish Recipe – Seafood Dinner Ideas
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
- 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.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →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.
