Catfish Creole Style
A flavorful Creole-style catfish dish with bold spices, tender fish, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a hearty yet zesty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rub the catfish fillets well with salt and pepper.
- In a large black iron skillet, sauté the onions, bell pepper, and celery in butter until vegetables are wilted.
- Add the tomatoes, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the skillet.
- Cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the catfish fillets to the skillet, cover, and lower the heat.
- Let simmer for about 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
- Remove the fish with a spatula and place on serving plates.
- Garnish with lemon slices and minced parsley.
- Serve the sauce with steamed rice on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños. If fresh tomatoes are in season, substitute the canned tomatoes for about 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. If you want a milder flavor, omit the hot sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, which helps balance the rich flavors of the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the catfish with a generous scoop of the sauce over a bed of steamed rice. A side of crusty French bread can complement the meal well, perfect for sopping up the sauce. For a refreshing touch, consider a simple green salad or coleslaw to add crunch and balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Catfish Creole Style contains roughly 604 calories, with 24g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (189% of the Daily Value), iron (167% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (134% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1795mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute catfish with other firm white fish like tilapia or cod. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different fish may flake at varying rates.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This catfish creole can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat gently before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
What can I serve with catfish creole?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with crusty bread, a side of coleslaw, or even a light salad for a refreshing contrast to the flavorful sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).