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Cheesy Stuffed Catfish Recipe – Best Seafood Dinner Idea

Cheesy Stuffed Catfish Recipe – Best Seafood Dinner Idea

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
  • 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:

    1. Flour (light coat for crispiness)
    2. Egg wash (helps breadcrumbs stick)
    3. 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

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.

Find it online: https://fenrecipes.com/cheesy-stuffed-catfish-recipe-best-seafood-dinner-idea/