World'S Best Catfish Stew
A hearty and flavorful catfish stew packed with fresh vegetables, smoky bacon, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can corn or fresh shucked corn ⓘ
- 2 cans stewed tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cans tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 4 to 6 potatoes, medium cubed
- 1/4 lb. thick sliced hickory smoked bacon ⓘ
- Italian herb mix ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced celery
- 3 to 5 lb. fresh catfish fillets ⓘ
- seasoning salt to taste ⓘ
- crushed red pepper or Tabasco to taste (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bacon until it is tearable and hard, but not too crisp.
- Saute bell pepper and onion in bacon grease.
- Cook potatoes until firm with some Italian seasoning added to water.
- Drain water; add chopped stewed tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, mostly drained canned corn, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, a tablespoon seasoning salt, minced celery, 1 can tomato puree and heat until it boils.
- Cover catfish fillets with water in a glass bowl; add teaspoon or more of Italian seasoning and microwave 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain water and chunk up catfish; add to hot stew.
- Thicken mixture with tomato paste or an extra can of tomato puree.
- Simmer for a while and serve in bowls, passing Tabasco as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika alongside the Italian herb mix. If fresh catfish is unavailable, tilapia or cod can be good substitutes. Adjust the spice level by using more or less crushed red pepper or Tabasco. Pairing the stew with a side of Broccoli And Red Bell Pepper Salad adds a refreshing crunch to the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the catfish stew hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider side dishes like a simple green salad or the hearty 4 Bean Casserole to complement the richness of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of World'S Best Catfish Stew contains roughly 275 calories, with 10g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 754mg per serving (33% 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 make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, this stew can be made a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit overnight enhances the flavors as they meld together. Just reheat gently before serving to preserve the texture of the catfish.
What can I do if the stew is too thick?
If the stew is too thick, simply add a bit of water or vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
Is it possible to freeze this stew?
Yes, you can freeze the stew for up to three months. Cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
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).