This Stuffed Catfish recipe is a delicious and elegant dish featuring tender catfish fillets stuffed with a flavorful mixture of cheese, spinach, and shrimp. Perfect for a special occasion or a delightful dinner at home.
๐ Ingredients:
- ๐ 4 catfish fillets
- ๐ง 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- ๐ฆ 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- ๐ฅฌ 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ๐ง 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ๐ง 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ๐ง 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ๐ฟ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ๐ฟ 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ๐ง Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ๐ฅ 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- ๐ Lemon wedges, for serving
๐ Directions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stuff the Catfish Fillets:
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Lay the catfish fillets flat on a clean surface. Place a generous amount of the shrimp and spinach mixture onto one side of each fillet.
- Fold the other side of the fillet over the filling to enclose it. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Top with Breadcrumbs (optional):
- If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the stuffed catfish fillets for a crispy topping.
- Bake:
- Place the stuffed catfish fillets in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks (if used) and serve the stuffed catfish fillets with lemon wedges on the side.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
๐ก Notes:
- For added flavor, you can drizzle the stuffed catfish with a little lemon juice or white wine before baking.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- If you don’t have catfish, you can use other white fish fillets such as tilapia, sole, or flounder.