How to Make Carolina Catfish Stew - A Step-by-Step Guide

Carolina Catfish Stew is a traditional Southern dish that has been passed down through generations in the American South. This hearty stew is a staple in coastal regions, where fresh catfish is plentiful and readily available. The dish is known for its rich and flavorful broth, tender chunks of catfish, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices that give it a unique and comforting taste.

One of the key ingredients in Carolina Catfish Stew is, of course, the catfish. This firm and mild-...

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds catfish fillets
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 stick salted butter
  • ½ pound bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • ½ medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (46 fluid ounce) cans tomato juice
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato puree
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 ½ cups corn
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 55 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 servings

  • Cut catfish fillets into 2-inch cubes. Put in a resealable plastic bag with 2 tablespoons olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Seal bag and shake until fish is thoroughly coated; place in the refrigerator while you prepare the stew.
  • Preheat a large stockpot over high heat. Add butter and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add bacon, onion, bell pepper, and garlic; saute until onions are soft, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add tomato juice, tomato sauce, and tomato puree, then stir in sugar, Italian seasoning, and cayenne. Add potatoes and corn and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until potatoes are tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Drop in catfish and simmer until fish is tender and cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes; make sure you don't break up the fish.
  • To serve, season with hot sauce and Worcestershire.
  • Nutrition

    371 cal.

    • Total Fat: 20g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Cholesterol: 62mg
    • Sodium: 1626mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 33g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 18g
    • Protein: 19g
    • Vitamin C: 56mg
    • Calcium: 57mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 1308mg