
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.
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 createStep 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 flavorStep 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 cubesStep 4: Technique & Execution
Cut remaining fillets in 3 equal piecesStep 5: Technique & Execution
Set aside and keep coolStep 6: Technique & Execution
In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heatChef's Pro Tips & Variations
Nutritional Profile per Serving
| Metric | Amount | Dietary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 512 kcal | Controlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn |
| Protein | 31g | High-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | Complex, slow-digesting dietary fiber |
| Fat | 16g | Wholesome 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.

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)
Ingredients
Comment
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Healthy Alternative |
|---|---|
| Salmon/Cod | Steelhead trout, halibut, or sea bass (baking times may vary) |
| Asparagus/Veg | Zucchini slices, broccoli florets, or green beans (roast at same temperature) |
Instructions
Technique & Execution: Cacciatore is a dish that usually takes hours to create
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
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
Technique & Execution: Cut remaining fillets in 3 equal pieces
Technique & Execution: Set aside and keep cool
Technique & Execution: In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat
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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
Chief Culinary SpecialistStewart 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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