Description

Stuffed Catfish with Spinach Shrimp & Cheese is an elegant and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender catfish fillets filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed shrimp, spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan, enhanced with garlic, onion, and lemon juice. This meal delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, perfect for special occasions or family dinners, offering a nutritious balance of lean protein, greens, and calcium-rich cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood and Fish

4 fresh catfish fillets (about 6 ounces each)
8 ounces fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Cheese

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Oils and Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink, approximately 2-3 minutes, then stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before mixing in the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Prepare the Catfish: Lay the catfish fillets flat on a clean surface and season both sides evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each fillet by slicing through the thickest part without cutting completely through to the other side, forming a space to hold the stuffing.
Stuff the Fillets: Spoon the cooled shrimp-spinach cheese filling generously into each catfish pocket, making sure not to overfill to prevent tearing. If needed, secure the edges of each fillet with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
Cook the Stuffed Catfish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the stuffed fillets for 2-3 minutes per side until they begin to brown. Transfer the fillets to a baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes until the catfish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the cheese mixture is bubbly and golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove toothpicks carefully and transfer the stuffed catfish fillets to serving plates. Garnish with optional lemon wedges, fresh parsley sprigs, or sliced green onions, and serve alongside your choice of complementary sides for a perfect, elegant meal.

Notes

Use fresh catfish and shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Do not overcook the shrimp during filling preparation; they will continue cooking inside the fish.
Pat catfish dry before seasoning to improve searing and flavor adherence.
Secure fillets with toothpicks to prevent filling from spilling out.
Allow the stuffing to cool before filling to prevent cheese from melting too early or the mixture becoming soggy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed fillet (approx. 6 oz)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 33 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: catfish, stuffed catfish, seafood dish, shrimp, spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, baked fish, elegant seafood recipe