Stuffed Catfish

 

🐟 Southern-Style Comfort: The Perfect Stuffed Catfish Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting, Stuffed Catfish is a recipe that delivers on every level. Tender, flaky catfish fillets filled with a savory stuffing—often a mix of seafood, herbs, and aromatics—create a meal that’s both elegant enough for special occasions and hearty enough for weeknight dinners.

This Southern-inspired classic is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love Stuffed Catfish

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of catfish and stuffing creates a rich, well-balanced dish.

• Customizable: You can tailor the stuffing to your taste—crab, shrimp, vegetables, or even a Cajun-style mix.

• Easy Yet Impressive: It looks fancy on the plate but comes together with simple steps.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, Sunday gatherings, or date nights.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Catfish:

• 4 catfish fillets (about 6 oz each)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Stuffing:

• 1/2 pound lump crabmeat or small shrimp (optional but traditional)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• 1/4 cup finely diced celery

• 1/4 cup diced bell pepper

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay)

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

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🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or oil.

2. Prepare the Stuffing:

   • In a skillet, melt butter and sauté celery, bell pepper, green onion, and garlic until tender.

   • Stir in crabmeat or shrimp, breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice.

   • Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then mix in the beaten egg to bind the stuffing.

3. Stuff the Catfish:

   • Season fillets with salt and pepper.

   • Spoon a generous amount of stuffing onto one side of each fillet, then fold or roll the fillet to cover the filling.

   • Secure with toothpicks if needed and place in the prepared baking dish.

4. Bake:

   • Brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter.

   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, until fish is flaky and golden.

5. Serve:

   • Remove toothpicks, drizzle with lemon juice, and serve hot with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

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🌿 Tips for the Best Stuffed Catfish

• Choose Fresh Fish: Fresh catfish has a mild, clean smell—perfect for soaking up seasonings.

• Add Spice: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a bolder Cajun kick.

• Make It Creamy: Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mayo to the stuffing for extra richness.

• Don’t Overbake: Catfish cooks quickly—keep an eye on it to avoid drying out.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

Stuffed Catfish is the kind of dish that makes dinner feel special. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor, combining tender catfish with a hearty, seasoned stuffing that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or as the star of a holiday meal, this recipe brings the taste of the South right to your table.

So grab your skillet, preheat that oven, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a restaurant-worthy seafood classic you’ll want to make again and again. 🐟💛