Stuffed Fried Catfish Recipe! 🍴🔥

Here’s a delicious recipe for Stuffed Fried Catfish that’s crispy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside. The stuffed catfish is filled with a tasty mixture of seasoned crabmeat, shrimp, and spices, then fried to golden perfection. It’s perfect for a special dinner or a weekend treat!

Stuffed Fried Catfish Recipe 🍴🔥

Ingredients:

For the Stuffing:

• 1/2 pound lump crabmeat (or imitation crabmeat)

• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into small pieces

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or any seafood seasoning)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for smokiness)

• 1 egg (to bind the stuffing together)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Catfish:

• 4 catfish fillets (boneless, skinless)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

• 2 eggs (for dipping)

• 1 cup cornmeal (for breading)

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for flavor)

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the crabmeat, chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), parsley, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and one egg.

2. Stir the mixture until everything is well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The stuffing should be slightly moist but firm enough to hold its shape when you stuff the catfish fillets. Set the stuffing aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Catfish Fillets

1. Lay out the catfish fillets on a flat surface. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Carefully make a pocket in the center of each fillet, being sure not to cut all the way through the fish. This will be where you stuff the filling. If needed, you can use a knife to gently cut a slit along the side of each fillet to create a small cavity for the stuffing.

Step 3: Stuff the Catfish

1. Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture into the pockets of each catfish fillet. Be generous with the stuffing, but don’t overstuff the fillets, as the stuffing might spill out during frying.

2. Press the edges of the fillet together to seal in the stuffing as much as possible. You can use toothpicks to secure the edges if necessary.

Step 4: Bread the Catfish

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, and garlic powder for dredging the fish. In another dish, beat the two eggs for dipping. In a third dish, add the cornmeal.

2. First, dredge each stuffed catfish fillet in the flour mixture, coating it evenly.

3. Then, dip the floured fillet into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with the cornmeal for a nice crispy texture.

Step 5: Fry the Catfish

1. In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil over medium-high heat to cover the bottom of the pan (about 1 inch deep).

2. Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a small amount of breadcrumbs into the oil—if it sizzles, the oil is ready), carefully place the stuffed catfish fillets in the pan.

3. Fry the catfish for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping the fish to avoid spilling the stuffing.

4. Once cooked, remove the fish from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve the stuffed fried catfish immediately, garnished with lemon wedges or a sprig of parsley, if desired.

2. You can also serve it with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, remoulade, or a spicy aioli.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the catfish fillets a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to fry.

• Frying: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (about 350°F) before frying, as this will help achieve a crispy coating without making the fish greasy.

• Sides: Serve with a side of coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

This Stuffed Fried Catfish is bursting with flavor and perfect for seafood lovers! It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and the stuffing adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Enjoy! 😋🐟