Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast with our ultimate Crispy Fried Fish recipe! Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, flaky fish that melts in your mouth – this isn't just a meal, it's a culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe will elevate your cooking skills and impress everyone at the table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Fish fillets (e.g., cod)
- Flour
- Cornmeal
- Eggs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the fish by patting the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispier coating.
- In a shallow dish, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to create the dry coating mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat 2-3 eggs until well combined. This will be used to help the dry coating adhere to the fish.
- Set up a breading station with three plates: one with the flour-cornmeal mixture, one with beaten eggs, and a clean plate for the breaded fish.
- Dredge each fish fillet first in the flour-cornmeal mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat again in the dry mixture. Ensure the fish is evenly and thoroughly coated.
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer for accurate temperature control.
- Carefully place the breaded fish fillets into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried fish using a slotted spatula and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Season immediately with a pinch of salt and serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your preferred accompaniments.
- Allow the oil to return to the correct temperature between batches to ensure consistent cooking and crispiness.
Tips
- Pat your fish fillets completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the exact oil temperature of 375°F – this is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Cook in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Let the fish rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the bottom coating crisp.
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs like dried parsley or Old Bay seasoning to your breading mixture.
- Choose firm white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest experience – fried fish is always best enjoyed fresh and hot!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
