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
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.
