Description
Delicious and hearty stuffed catfish fillets filled with a creamy mixture of shrimp, spinach, and cheeses, baked to perfection. This Southern-inspired seafood main course combines tender fish with savory garlic shrimp and rich cream cheese for a flavorful, nutrient-rich meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Stuffing
- 4 catfish fillets
- 1/2 lb small shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Cooking
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed catfish.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the chopped shrimp. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Cook Spinach and Combine Filling: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat, then mix in the softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Catfish Fillets: Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets evenly with paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stuff the Fillets: Place a generous spoonful of the shrimp and spinach filling on one end of each fillet. Carefully roll or fold the fillets over the filling, securing with toothpicks if necessary to hold the stuffing inside.
- Bake the Stuffed Catfish: Lightly grease a baking dish and place the stuffed fillets inside. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks before serving. Serve the stuffed catfish warm with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an added zest.
Notes
- You can substitute catfish with tilapia or flounder for similar results.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Serve over steamed rice or with roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed fillet
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
