Stuffed Catfish with cheese, spinach and shrimp

This stuffed catfish dish is a delightful combination of tender catfish fillets, succulent shrimp, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach. It’s a gourmet meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and perfect for any special occasion or a delightful weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into the details to create this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients

For the Catfish and Stuffing:

        

• Catfish fillets: 4 large
• Shrimp: 1/2 pound (225g), peeled, deveined, and chopped
• Fresh spinach: 2 cups, chopped
• Cream cheese: 4 ounces (113g), softened
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (100g)
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (25g), grated
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt and black pepper: To taste
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Lemon: 1, sliced (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• Butter: 4 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
• White wine: 1/4 cup (60ml) (optional)
• Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120ml)
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120ml)
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large skillet: For cooking the stuffing.
• Baking dish: For baking the catfish.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the stuffing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
• Spatula: For stirring the stuffing.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping ingredients.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the onions and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp: Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine the stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp and spinach mixture with the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 2: Stuff the Catfish

1. Prepare the catfish fillets: Lay the catfish fillets flat on a clean surface. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Add the stuffing: Spoon the shrimp and cheese stuffing mixture onto one side of each catfish fillet. Fold the other side over to cover the stuffing, securing with toothpicks if necessary.

Step 3: Bake the Catfish

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place in baking dish: Arrange the stuffed catfish fillets in a baking dish.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the catfish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Cook the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the liquids: Stir in the lemon juice, white wine (if using), chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Season and finish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the catfish: Carefully remove the toothpicks from the stuffed catfish fillets and place them on serving plates.
2. Drizzle with sauce: Drizzle the creamy lemon garlic sauce over the stuffed catfish.
3. Garnish and serve: Garnish with lemon slices and additional chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Catfish

1. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh catfish, shrimp, and spinach enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
2. Secure the fillets: Use toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside the catfish fillets while baking.
3. Don’t overstuff: Avoid overstuffing the fillets to prevent the stuffing from spilling out during baking.
4. Adjust seasoning: Taste the stuffing mixture before adding it to the catfish and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Conclusion

Stuffed catfish with cheese, spinach, and shrimp is a gourmet dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. This recipe ensures tender catfish fillets filled with a delicious and creamy stuffing, all topped with a rich lemon garlic sauce. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful dish with your loved ones!