16 Tasty Catfish Recipes for African and Caribbean Home Cooks

Catfish is a beloved ingredient in African and Caribbean kitchens—loved for its soft flesh, rich flavor, and versatility. From smoky soups to sizzling grills, this fish blends effortlessly and beautifully with a variety of traditional dishes. Whether you enjoy it fried, stewed, or baked, these 16 catfish recipes will inspire your next home-cooked meal.

Nigerian Catfish Pepper Soup

This light yet spicy soup is a favorite in Nigeria, known for its healing qualities and warmth. The combination of catfish, local spices, and fresh herbs creates a bold, aromatic broth perfect for cold evenings.

Image from: Apocom Kitchen 

How to Bring It to Life:

• Clean and cut fresh catfish into steaks.
• Season with salt, bouillon, pepper, and soup spice mix.
• Simmer in water with scent leaves, pepper, and onions until the fish is cooked through.

Smoked Catfish Egusi Soup

Egusi soup gets a flavor boost when smoked catfish is added, creating a rich and nutty meal. The smoked fish infuses the soup with a deep, irresistible aroma.

Steps for a Flavorful Bowl:

• Blend melon seeds (egusi) with peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
• Fry the blend in palm oil, then add smoked catfish pieces.
• Simmer with stock, leafy greens, and seasoning until thick.
  
  

Ghanaian Light Soup with Catfish

This West African classic combines fresh catfish with a tomato-based broth. It’s light yet satisfying, often served with fufu or rice balls.

Image from: Pinterest

 

A Simple Path to Perfection:

• Boil blended tomatoes, onions, and peppers into a base.
• Add seasoned catfish chunks and simmer gently.
• Adjust seasoning, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.
  
  

Jamaican Brown Stew Catfish

Caribbean flair meets catfish in this hearty, flavor-packed stew, where tender fish simmers in a blend of herbs, vegetables, and aromatic spices. The addition of browning sauce creates a rich caramel color and infuses the dish with deep, savory-sweet notes.

Image from:  African Bites

 

Turning Up the Flavor:

• Season catfish with allspice, thyme, garlic, and pepper.
• Pan-sear until golden, then remove.
• Make a sauce with onions, peppers, browning sauce, and stock; return the fish to a simmer.
  
  

Catfish Okra Soup

Okra is a sticky, flavorful favorite across West Africa, especially in Nigeria. Fresh catfish pairs perfectly with tender okra and spicy peppers.

Bringing It Together:

• Chop the okra and blend half for thickness.
• Simmer with palm oil, pepper, onions, and stock.
• Add catfish and cook gently to avoid breaking the fish.
  
  

Baked Cajun Catfish

Perfect for a lighter meal, this tender oven-baked catfish is coated in smoky-spicy Cajun seasoning for a bold flavor kick. It’s a quick, healthy option that delivers delicious results in just minutes.

Image from: Eating Well

 

The Baking Game Plan:

• Preheat the oven and line a baking tray.
• Coat catfish fillets in Cajun spice and a little olive oil.
• Bake until it’s flaky and golden at the edges.
  

Catfish Jollof Rice

A seafood twist on the beloved West African classic, this dish infuses the rich, smoky tomato base of jollof rice with the tender, savory flavor of catfish. The result is a hearty, flavorful meal that feels both comforting and festive.

How to Make It Sing:

• Prepare a jollof base with tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
• Add parboiled rice and stock; stir until nearly cooked.
• Lay seasoned catfish on top to steam and infuse flavor.
  
  

Catfish Curry

A flavorful fusion of African and Caribbean spices with a hint of Indian curry tradition, this dish brings bold aromas and comforting warmth to the table. The creamy, fragrant sauce coats each piece of catfish, creating a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

 

Image from: iStock Photo 

Creating the Curry Magic:

• Sauté onions, garlic, and curry powder in oil.
• Stir in coconut milk, tomatoes, and seasoning.
• Gently add catfish pieces and simmer until tender.
  
  

Fried Catfish with Plantains

Crispy catfish meets sweet, caramelized plantains — a beloved comfort food. This dish is perfect for weekend indulgence.

How to Get That Crunch:

• Season catfish with spices, and dredge in seasoned flour or cornmeal.
• Deep-fry until golden and crisp.
• Serve alongside fried ripe plantains.
  
  

Smoked Catfish Vegetable Stew

Packed with a vibrant mix of greens, this hearty stew is as nourishing as it is delicious. The rich, smoky flavor of the catfish infuses every bite, turning a simple vegetable dish into a deeply satisfying comfort meal.

Steps for a Hearty Plate:

• Sauté onions, peppers, and tomatoes in palm oil.
• Add chopped greens (ugu, spinach, or kale).
• Mix in smoked catfish and season to taste.
  
  

Catfish and Yam Porridge

A warming, one-pot dish that’s perfect for rainy days. The yam absorbs the fish’s flavor for a rich, comforting meal.

Cooking Your Comfort Bowl:

• Boil yam chunks with pepper, onions, and stock.
• Add palm oil and seasonings.
• Gently stir in the catfish until fully cooked.
  
  

Grilled Suya-Style Catfish

A Nigerian street food favorite, this dish features catfish coated in a bold suya spice mix of ground peanuts, paprika, and chili for a smoky, nutty heat. Grilled to perfection, it delivers a crisp skin with tender, flavorful flesh in every bite.

Grill Master’s Checklist:

• Rub catfish with suya spice blend and oil.
• Grill over charcoal until skin is crisp.
• Serve with onions, tomatoes, and pepper sauce.
  
  

Catfish Callaloo

This hearty Caribbean classic combines tender, flaky catfish with vibrant leafy greens like callaloo or spinach, simmered gently in creamy coconut milk. The natural sweetness of the coconut balances beautifully with the mild, rich flavor of the fish, creating a comforting dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Quick Guide to Creamy Goodness:

• Sauté onions, garlic, and thyme.
• Add callaloo leaves, coconut milk, and seasoning.
• Lay in catfish pieces to steam gently.
  
  

Catfish in Tomato Sauce

A classic comfort dish where tender catfish simmers in a rich, spiced tomato base until perfectly infused with flavor. Versatile and wholesome, it pairs beautifully with rice, bread, or yams for a complete and satisfying meal.

Easy Flavor Steps:

• Fry onions, garlic, and peppers in oil.
• Add tomatoes, stock, and spices.
• Slide in catfish and simmer until tender.
  
  

Steamed Catfish with Herbs

Here’s a light and aromatic delight where steaming gently preserves the catfish’s natural tenderness and infuses it with fresh herbal notes. This wholesome method locks in flavor without the need for added oil, making it both healthy and delicious.

Image from: No-frills Recipe 

The Steaming Ritual:

• Season fish with salt, garlic, ginger, and herbs.
• Wrap in foil or banana leaves.
• Steam over boiling water until flaky.
  
  

Catfish and Coconut Stew

This stew is a rich, tropical-inspired dish where tender catfish simmers in a creamy coconut milk base infused with warm spices. The result is a delicious, comforting stew bursting with island flavors.

Cooking It to Perfection:

• Sauté onions, ginger, and garlic in oil.
• Stir in coconut milk, peppers, and spices.
• Add catfish and cook until just done.
  
  

Tips for Cooking Catfish Perfectly

• Clean Thoroughly: Remove slime by rubbing with coarse salt or soaking in hot water before rinsing.
• Marinate Generously: Let the fish sit in the seasoning for at least 30 minutes.
• Cook Gently: Avoid over-stirring or overcooking to prevent breakage.
• Balance Flavors: Use lime, vinegar, or tomatoes to cut through richness.
• Explore Cooking Styles: Try frying, grilling, baking, or slow stewing for variety.
  
  

Where to Buy Fresh and Smoked Catfish

If you’re looking to get the freshest, highest-quality catfish for these recipes, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide, “Where to Buy Fresh, Smoked, and Frozen Fish in Canada—The Ultimate Guide for African and Caribbean Kitchens.” It’s packed with tips on sourcing the best fish, including trusted suppliers and markets where you can find exactly what you need to bring authentic flavors to your table.

At Joe’s African Caribbean Market, we believe great meals start with high-quality ingredients. That’s why we offer:

• Fresh whole catfish for grilling or frying.
• Frozen fillets for quick, convenient meals.
• Smoked catfish for rich, traditional stews and soups.
  
  

Our catfish is sourced with care for maximum freshness, flavor, and texture. Alongside fish, we stock the African and Caribbean spices, herbs, and produce you need to bring these recipes to life.

Shop in-store for same-day freshness or order online for home delivery. With Joe’s African Caribbean Market, you’re only a shopping trip away from a delicious catfish feast.