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Catfish Cacciatore
Creole Food AndDinnerHealthy Eating

Catfish Cacciatore

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.9 (49 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Catfish Cacciatore offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 31g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 512 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Catfish Cacciatore offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Catfish Cacciatore to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Catfish Cacciatore, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • Prep Time: 1 Hour
  • Yields: 6 Servings
  • Comment:

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Cacciatore is a dish that usually takes hours to create

Step 2: Technique & Execution

In the city of New Orleans, the Italians created this recipe in order to speed up the process while retaining the great flavor

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Ingredients: 6 (6–8 ounce) catfish fillets ¾ cup olive oil ¾ cup flour 1 cup diced onions 1 cup diced celery ½ cup diced bell peppers 2 tbsps minced garlic 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce 2 (16-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes 2 bay leaves 1 tsp chopped thyme 1 tbsp chopped basil 1 tsp chopped oregano 2 quarts water or fish stock 2 cups sliced mushrooms salt and cracked black pepper to taste ½ cup sliced green onions ¼ cup chopped parsley 6 cups cooked spaghetti Method: If using fresh fish, you may with to bone the fillets and use the bones to create a rich fish stock. (See stock recipes on our Web site.) Cut 2 fillets into 1-inch cubes

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Cut remaining fillets in 3 equal pieces

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Set aside and keep cool

Step 6: Technique & Execution

In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories512 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein31gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates20gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat16gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Catfish Cacciatore

This chef-curated Catfish Cacciatore offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.9 from 49 votes
Catfish Cacciatore
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories26% DV
512 kcal
Protein62% DV
31g
Fat21% DV
16g
Carbs7% DV
20g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Comment

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Salmon/CodSteelhead trout, halibut, or sea bass (baking times may vary)
Asparagus/VegZucchini slices, broccoli florets, or green beans (roast at same temperature)

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: Cacciatore is a dish that usually takes hours to create

2

Technique & Execution: In the city of New Orleans, the Italians created this recipe in order to speed up the process while retaining the great flavor

3

Technique & Execution: Ingredients: 6 (6–8 ounce) catfish fillets ¾ cup olive oil ¾ cup flour 1 cup diced onions 1 cup diced celery ½ cup diced bell peppers 2 tbsps minced garlic 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce 2 (16-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes 2 bay leaves 1 tsp chopped thyme 1 tbsp chopped basil 1 tsp chopped oregano 2 quarts water or fish stock 2 cups sliced mushrooms salt and cracked black pepper to taste ½ cup sliced green onions ¼ cup chopped parsley 6 cups cooked spaghetti Method: If using fresh fish, you may with to bone the fillets and use the bones to create a rich fish stock. (See stock recipes on our Web site.) Cut 2 fillets into 1-inch cubes

4

Technique & Execution: Cut remaining fillets in 3 equal pieces

5

Technique & Execution: Set aside and keep cool

6

Technique & Execution: In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet on medium-low heat with a lid to keep the fish tender. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Freezing: We do not recommend freezing cooked fish as it degrades the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?▼

Ensure your baking dish is lightly oiled or lined with parchment paper, and make sure the oven is fully preheated before cooking.

Can I make this recipe with frozen fish?▼

Yes. Thaw the fish completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat it dry thoroughly with a paper towel before adding seasonings.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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