Description
Crispy pan-fried fish fillets stuffed with a creamy spinach and cheese filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large white fish fillets (tilapia, flounder, cod, or haddock)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped spinach (fresh sautéed or thawed frozen, squeezed dry)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to season fish)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 tbsp dried parsley (optional, for that speckled crust)
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup vegetable oil (as needed)
Instructions
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until creamy.
- Prep the fish: Pat fish fillets dry. Season both sides with a little salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning (if using).
- Stuff the fillets: Spoon filling onto one side of each fillet, then fold over like a sandwich. Press edges gently to seal (use toothpicks if needed).
- Bread the fish: Set up 3 bowls—flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with dried parsley (optional). Coat each stuffed fillet in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumbs to fully coat.
- Pan-fry: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry fillets 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until deep golden and cooked through (fish flakes easily).
- Drain & serve: Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels. Serve hot with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to secure stuffed fillets if needed.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 180mg