Cajun Stuffed Butterfly Catfish

Indulge in our flavorful recipe for Cajun Stuffed Butterfly Catfish. Discover the perfect blend of Cajun spices and delicious ingredients on our blog. Your tastebuds will never be the same.

RECIPES & COOKING

Shari Smith

1/2/20256 min read

Cajun Stuffed Butterfly Catfish on a grill
Cajun Stuffed Butterfly Catfish on a grill

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Mouth-watering Cajun Stuffed Butterfly Catfish

Welcome to our culinary journey inspired by the heart of Louisiana! Chef Rusty Hamlin, renowned for his authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, has shared this special crab catfish recipe with a hint of small onion straight from his kitchen in Zac, Louisiana.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that embodies the true essence of Cajun flavors!

  • This recipe features a classic Cajun stuffed catfish dish that bursts with flavor.

  • You'll learn how to select the perfect catfish fillets and achieve the ideal butterfly cut.

  • The blog post emphasizes the importance of using authentic Cajun spices and herbs for that true Louisiana taste.

  • Get ready for a culinary adventure as we walk you through each step, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome!

Essential Ingredients for Cajun Stuffed Butterfly Catfish

Before we embark on this flavorful adventure, let's gather the essential ingredients that form the foundation of our Cajun masterpiece. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are crucial for capturing the vibrant flavors of this dish.

Be sure to have these items on hand: fresh catfish fillets (we'll explore the best types shortly), juicy lemons, vibrant green onions, crisp celery, a mix of colorful bell peppers, and the star of the show - authentic Cajun seasoning. With these key components ready, we're well on our way to creating a Cajun feast!

Selecting the Right Catfish for Stuffing

When it comes to stuffed catfish, choosing the right fillets is paramount. While various catfish types work well, certain cuts lend themselves perfectly to stuffing. Opting for catfish fillets that are relatively thick and meaty ensures a substantial base for our delicious filling.

Butterfly catfish fillets, with their increased surface area, are particularly ideal. The butterflying technique involves making a lengthwise cut, almost but not quite all the way through, which allows the fillet to open like a book. This creates a beautiful presentation and ample space for the flavorful Creole stuffing.

Another excellent option is to ask your fishmonger for brush fillets. These fillets, often available upon request, are specifically trimmed for easier stuffing and rolling.

Key Spices and Herbs for the Cajun Flavor

The soul of Cajun cooking lies in its bold and flavorful spice blends. While a good-quality store-bought Cajun seasoning serves as an excellent base, don't hesitate to customize it to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds an extra kick, while a touch of smoked paprika introduces a warm, smoky depth.

Fresh herbs like thyme and oregano, incorporated during the cooking process, infuse the dish with their aromatic essence. And of course, a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors, creating a delightful balance.

For those who enjoy an extra layer of complexity, a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce can be incorporated into the stuffing or served on the side.

a variety of ingredients including fish, vegetables and spices
a variety of ingredients including fish, vegetables and spices
a piece of fish fillet with a slice of lemon
a piece of fish fillet with a slice of lemon
a bowl of spices and herbs on a table
a bowl of spices and herbs on a table

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we've covered the essential ingredients and highlighted the importance of selecting the right catfish and Cajun spices, let's dive into the step-by-step cooking process. Don't worry, each step is straightforward, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome, even for novice cooks!

Follow along closely as we guide you through preparing the catfish, creating the savory stuffing, and finally, cooking the fish to perfection. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with your newfound Cajun culinary skills!

Preparing the Catfish for Stuffing

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle a bit of olive oil onto a baking sheet or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will prevent the fish from sticking.

Carefully place fillets on the prepared baking sheet. If using butterfly fillets, make sure they are spread open. For regular fillets, make a lengthwise cut on one side to create a pocket for stuffing.

Season both the inside and outside of the catfish fillets generously with your Cajun seasoning blend, ensuring all sides are nicely coated. Be sure to season the inside of the pocket you've created as well!

Here's how to mix the Creole stuffing for your Cajun Stuffed Butterfly Catfish:

Start with the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of finely chopped cooked shrimp, 1/4 cup of diced green bell pepper, and 1/4 cup of diced onion. These will form the base of your stuffing.

Add the seasonings: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning (1 tsp), thyme (1/2 tsp), paprika (1/4 tsp), salt (1/4 tsp), black pepper (1/4 tsp), and additional Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs and vegetables.

Add the fresh ingredients: Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley and 2 cloves of minced garlic. The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor, and the garlic brings a bit of savory depth.

Add the binding ingredients: Crack an egg into a separate bowl and beat it. Add the beaten egg and 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the mixture. Stir everything together until the stuffing mixture is moist and well-combined. If the stuffing feels too dry, you can add a bit more cream or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

In conclusion, mastering the art of creating a Cajun Stuffed Butterfly Creole Catfish is a flavorful journey worth embarking on. With the right blend of spices, herbs, and cooking techniques, you can elevate a regular catfish dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Remember to choose quality ingredients, pay attention to the details of the butterfly cut, and savor the rich Cajun flavors with every bite. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a cooking enthusiast, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience that will impress your taste buds and leave your guests craving for more.

Enjoy the process and the delicious results of this Cajun-inspired culinary adventure!

a person cutting a bellpepper on a cutting board
a person cutting a bellpepper on a cutting board

Ingredients:

  • 4 Creole catfish fillets, butterflied

  • 1 cup of breadcrumbs

  • 1/2 cup of cooked shrimp, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup of green bell pepper, diced

  • 1/4 cup of onion, diced

  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp of fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning

  • 1/2 tsp of thyme

  • 1/4 tsp of paprika

  • 1/4 tsp of salt

  • 1/4 tsp of black pepper

  • 1 egg, beaten

  • 1/4 cup of heavy cream

  • 2 tbsp of butter, melted

  • 1 tbsp of olive oil for cooking

  • Lemon wedges, for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Prepare the stuffing: In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, chopped shrimp, diced green bell pepper, diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Add the Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

  3. Add the egg and cream: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and heavy cream. Pour the egg mixture into the breadcrumb mixture and combine until the stuffing is moist and holds together.

  4. Stuff the catfish fillets: Lay the butterflied catfish fillets flat on a work surface. Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly onto one side of each fillet. Fold the fillets over to enclose the stuffing, securing the edges with toothpicks if necessary.

  5. Cook the stuffed catfish: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the stuffed catfish fillets into the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fillets are golden and cooked through.

  6. Finish in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to ensure the stuffing is fully cooked and the fish is tender.

  7. Serve: Remove the toothpicks from the fillets, plate them, and drizzle with melted butter. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

a cartoon character holding a sign that says southern fried chicken
a cartoon character holding a sign that says southern fried chicken

Enjoy your flavorful stuffed butterfly Creole catfish!

Popular Louisiana Cajun Seasonings

Slap Ya Mama Cajun SeasoningSlap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning
McCormick Perfect Pinch Cajun SeasoningMcCormick Perfect Pinch Cajun Seasoning
Zatarain's New Orleans Style Creole SeasoningZatarain's New Orleans Style Creole Seasoning