Sauteed Riverfront Catfish Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 20 Cuisine: American

Delicate catfish cakes enriched with scallops and seasoned with Old Bay, garlic, and lemon, perfect as an elegant appetizer or light main for seafood lovers.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. sea scallops
  • 2 oz. heavy cream
  • 1 t. Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 t. chopped garlic
  • 1 t. lemon juice
  • 1/2 t. Dijon-style mustard
  • 1/8 t. salt
  • 1/8 t. pepper
  • 2 oz. mayonnaise
  • 1 lb. steamed catfish

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, blend scallops and heavy cream until a thick paste forms.
  2. Fold in Old Bay seasoning, chopped garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise.
  3. Gently fold in steamed catfish until well combined.
  4. Shape the mixture into about 20 1-1/2 ounce cakes.
  5. Saute the cakes in butter until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. If you don't have sea scallops, shrimp can be a great alternative. To enhance flavors, let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping the cakes. Ensure the catfish is fully cooled before incorporating it to maintain the cake's structure.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the catfish cakes with a tangy remoulade or tartar sauce for dipping. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or coleslaw. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or the Tossed Tuna Salad for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover catfish cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of butter, and cook until warmed through and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cakes soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sauteed Riverfront Catfish Cakes contains roughly 28 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.

28 kcal 1% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.1g
Total Fat 3g 4% DV
Carbs 0.2g
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 350.2mg 15% DV
Potassium 8mg
Cholesterol 8.8mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.7mcg
Vitamin C 2.4mg 3% DV
Calcium 0.9mg
Iron 0mg
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Shellfish

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, you can use frozen catfish, but make sure to fully thaw and drain it before steaming. This will help achieve the right texture in your cakes. Steaming will also help retain moisture, ensuring your cakes stay tender.

How do I know when the catfish cakes are done cooking?

The catfish cakes are done when they are golden brown on the outside and heated through. You can check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F. The cakes should be firm to the touch and hold their shape well.

Can I bake the catfish cakes instead of sautéing them?

Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the cakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. This method is healthier and still delicious.

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).

American recipes → Seafood recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →