Fried fish is a delicious and simple dish to prepare. Here’s a basic recipe for fried fish:
Ingredients:
- 4-6 fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or catfish)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fish:
- If using whole fish, clean and fillet them. If using fish fillets, make sure they are thawed and patted dry with paper towels. This helps the batter adhere better.
- Season the fish with a little salt and pepper.
- Set Up Your Dredging Stations:
- In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
- Dredge the Fish:
- Dip each fish fillet into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the coated fillet into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well coated.
- Finally, dip it back into the flour mixture for a second coating. This double-dredging helps create a crispier crust.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to be sure.
- Fry the Fish:
- Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil, one at a time, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is done when it turns golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
- Drain and Serve:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried fish from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the fried fish hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side.
Enjoy your homemade fried fish! It’s a classic and tasty dish that’s perfect for serving with coleslaw, french fries, or a fresh salad.
