Best Florida Catfish Stew Recipes

CATFISH STEW

Steps:

• In 4-quart nonstick Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic and chili powder; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until onions are tender. Stir in tomatoes, water, rice, oregano, thyme, cumin and pepper sauce. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Rinse okra under cold running water to separate; drain. Stir okra, fish and bell pepper into tomato mixture. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fish flakes easily with fork and okra is tender.

FISH STEW

Steps:

• Cut the fish fillets into 3-inch pieces. Season with 1 tablespoon of the rub. Set aside in the refrigerator. Make a roux by combining the oil and flour in a large cast-iron or enameled cast-iron Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir slowly with a wire whisk or wooden spoon for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the roux becomes dark brown, the color of chocolate. Add the celery, onions, bell peppers, and chilies. Cook, stirring often, for 6 to 7 minutes. Add the bay leaves and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, water, and the remaining 1 teaspoon rub. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, for about 1 hour, or until a thin oil film appears on the surface. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking. Increase the heat to medium, add the broth, salt, and cayenne and cook for about 15 minutes. Lay the fish in the mixture and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. During the last 5 minutes of cooking time, add the green onions and parsley. Remove the bay leaves. Serve hot.

FLORIDA CATFISH STEW

Steps:

• In a large pot (8-quart capacity) heat 1/4 cup of the oil. Saute onions, celery, and carrots for about 5 minutes until onions become translucent and celery and carrots begin to soften. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Add fish, oysters, Cajun seasoning, tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt and pepper, and cook until fish becomes opaque. In a separate bowl, mix the other 1/2 cup of oil with the flour, and stir this mixture gently into the stew to thicken. Cook for a few minutes more to integrate flavors.

BRAZOS RIVER CATFISH STEW

Steps:

• Bring soup and catsup to a boil in a large Dutch oven over open fire. Fry salt pork and saute onions until tender in skillet and add to the soup mixture. Add all other ingredients except fish. If too thick, add 1 cup water. Boil five minutes. Drop in fish, and cook about 5 more minutes.

CAROLINA CATFISH STEW

Steps:

• 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.

SOUTH CAROLINA CATFISH STEW

Steps:

• Combine condensed soup, water, ketchup, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, butter, and browning sauce in a stockpot over medium heat. Add potatoes, bacon, and onion. Season with thyme, chili powder, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
• Meanwhile, rinse catfish and pat dry. Cut into bite-sized pieces and add to the stockpot. Reduce heat to a simmering boil and cook, covered or uncovered, until onions and potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes.