Catfish Creole
Catfish Creole is a flavorful dish featuring tender fish simmered in a spicy tomato-based sauce with aromatic vegetables and seasonings. Perfect for seafood lovers, it combines bold Creole flavors with a comforting, hearty texture, and is ideal served over hot cooked rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a wide frying pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic; cook until soft, about 7 minutes.
- Add whole tomatoes with their liquid, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon.
- Add lemon slices, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, bay leaf, salt, thyme, and hot sauce.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Press fish pieces down into the sauce.
- Cover the pan and simmer until the fish flakes.
- Serve over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or substituting the garlic with shallots for a milder taste. If you prefer a lighter dish, you could use tilapia instead of catfish. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also brighten the dish before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Catfish Creole over a bed of hot cooked rice for a satisfying meal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. For a complete dinner, pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. This dish also pairs beautifully with Indulgence Chocolate Mousse for dessert.
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 maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Catfish Creole contains roughly 464 calories, with 15g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (229% of the Daily Value), iron (176% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1943mg per serving (84% 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 frozen catfish for this recipe?
Yes, frozen catfish can be used. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place it in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing.
What can I substitute for the Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of vinegar can work as a substitute. Alternatively, you can use a homemade blend with soy sauce, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce for a similar flavor profile.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Catfish Creole is great for meal prep. Prepare the dish and store it in individual portions. It reheats well, making it a convenient option for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
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).