Catfish Soup

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Catfish Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender catfish simmered with aromatic herbs and vegetables. Its rich, comforting broth pairs well with crusty bread and is perfect for seafood lovers seeking a warm, satisfying meal. Suitable for casual family dinners or weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 lb. catfish, cut up
  • 1 sliced onion
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 quarts cold water
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients into a stew pan and put on slow fire.
  2. Stir occasionally and cook until the fish is ready to fall to pieces.
  3. Serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider marinating the catfish in lemon juice and spices before cooking. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried parsley and thyme work just as well. You can substitute the catfish with other firm white fish like cod or tilapia. For a heartier dish, add diced potatoes or corn to the soup for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the catfish soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or a light salad on the side. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of rice or incorporating it into a seafood feast with other dishes like the Delicious Tuna Bake.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the fish from becoming tough. Adding a splash of milk or water while reheating can help maintain the soup's creamy texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Catfish Soup contains roughly 2149 calories, with 46g protein, 364g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (447% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (245% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1974mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).

2149 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 46.4g 93% DV
Total Fat 104.7g 100% DV
Carbs 364.4g 100% DV
Fiber 125.1g 100% DV
Sugar 1.9g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1974.5mg 86% DV
Potassium 2748.8mg 58% DV
Cholesterol 216.1mg 72% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1471.4mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 220.9mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk

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 soup?

Yes, you can use frozen catfish, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and better texture in the soup. If using frozen fish, consider reducing the cooking time slightly as it may cook faster than fresh fish.

What can I do if the soup is too watery?

If your soup turns out too watery, you can thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water). Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can add more chopped vegetables to absorb excess liquid.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze catfish soup for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, do so slowly to prevent the fish from becoming rubbery, and be aware that the texture may change slightly after freezing.

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).

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