Description
Delight in this flavorful Stuffed Catfish recipe featuring tender catfish fillets generously filled with a savory mixture of sautéed shrimp, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a delicious blend of textures and rich tastes perfect for a satisfying seafood meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Catfish and Filling
- 4 fresh boneless catfish fillets
- 1 cup small peeled shrimp, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing and drizzling)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Toss in the chopped shrimp and cook just until they turn pink and are tender. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the catfish fillets: Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper. Carefully make a horizontal slit along each fillet to create a pocket, being cautious not to slice all the way through.
- Stuff the fillets: Generously fill each catfish pocket with the prepared shrimp, spinach, and cheese mixture. Secure the edges with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Bake the stuffed fillets: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed fillets on a greased baking dish or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the toothpicks from the fillets. Drizzle with additional lemon juice or sprinkle fresh herbs on top for added brightness. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp is cooked just until pink to avoid overcooking within the baking process.
- Use fresh catfish fillets for best texture and flavor.
- To keep the stuffing from leaking, secure the pockets tightly with toothpicks.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad to complement the rich filling.
- Adjust seasoning as per your taste preferences.
