Fried Fish (2024)

Fried Fish (1)

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My brother-in-law Rich has fried a lot of fish in his day. He said he tried all kinds of techniques until he finally got smart and asked his mother. This recipe is my take on their family favorite, complete with tips and tricks to keep your fingers clear of batter and the kitchen free of spatter.

Why do I use avocado oil? Because it is low in PUFAs (polyunsaturated fat acids), whereas canola oil is loaded with them. PUFAs break down into toxic compounds under heat, and who wants that served with their fish? We would rather have tartar sauce!

Fried Fish Recipe

  • Servings: 8
  • Calories per: 432
  • Active Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Difficulty: Easy
WHAT YOU NEEDWHAT TO DOWHY
  • 1 pound fish fillets, such as tilapia, cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 2 cups whole milk
In a 3-quart bowl, soak fish in milk for 15-20 minutes.The casein protein in milk binds to the trimethylamine in the fish flesh, reducing the “fishy” odor.
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Flour bowl:In a 3-quart bowl, whisk together. Set aside.Flour helps the other coatings bind to fish.
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
Egg bowl:In a small bowl, whisk until loose and frothy. Set aside.Whisking eliminates egg clumps.
  • 3/4 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Cornmeal bowl:In a 3-quart bowl, whisk together. Set aside.Cornmeal produces a crispy, textured crust when fried.
Drain fish through a mesh strainer, giving vigorous shakes to cast of excess milk; transfer to the flour mixture. With a silicone spatula, toss to evenly coat. Working with once piece at a time, use a spoon to dredge (plunge and turn) fish pieces in the egg mixture, adding to the cornmeal mixture as you go. When all are added to the corn mixture, use the silicone spatula to toss to evenly coat. Set fish aside on a plate.Using spoons avoids doughy club fingers. Each layer (milk, flour, egg) helps the next layer adhere.
  • Using spoons avoids doughy club fingers. Each layer (milk, flour, egg) helps the next layer adhere.
Set the wire rack over a plate; position near the stove. In a 3-quart tri-ply saucepan, add 2-3 inches oil and insert a candy thermometer. The tip should not touch the pan base. Over high heat, bring to 375°F (~5 minutes). With long tongs, load fish clockwise, leaving shoulder space (plan on frying in 4-5 batches). Monitor the load and adjust the heat to ensure oil stays between 350-375°F. Turn when amber (~2 minutes), starting with the first piece added to the oil and again working clockwise. Fry the second side (~2 minutes); transfer to rack to allow excess oil to drain away.A deep-sided pot reduces spattering. Avocado oil has a neutral flavor and sports a high smoke point (520°F). Hot oil creates a quick seal, minimizing fat absorption.

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Fried Fish (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to fry fish? ›

Pour about 1/2-inch of oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Working in batches, fry the fillets until golden brown and crisp, about 6 minutes. Turn with tongs and continue cooking until golden brown, crisp, and cooked through, about 6 minutes more.

What do you soak fish in before frying? ›

In a 3-quart bowl, soak fish in milk for 15-20 minutes. The casein protein in milk binds to the trimethylamine in the fish flesh, reducing the “fishy” odor.

Why is fried fish unhealthy? ›

Frying can increase the amount of fat in your fish and negatively affect its ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. If you're frying, pan-fry rather than deep-fry your fish, and use a healthy oil like olive oil.

Why do people soak fish in milk before frying? ›

milk will remove some of the fishy taste and smell of old fish.

What is the best fish to fry from the grocery store? ›

Depending on where you live, you'll find panfish like walleye, perch, whitefish, bluegill and/or crappie in your grocery store—all great for frying. When purchasing, check to be sure that the fillets are boneless; frying is a quick process and doesn't allow enough time for bones to be broken down.

What is the best oil to fry fish in? ›

You want your fish to taste great with classic tartar sauce and sides for fried fish! So it's best to use a neutral oil, like canola, vegetable and safflower oil to fry fish. Peanut oil has a high smoke point, which is perfect for frying, but it could add a slightly nutty flavor to your fish.

Why put flour on fish before frying? ›

Coating fish with flour before cooking enhances its naturally delicate texture by creating a crispy golden-brown outer crust while retaining its inner flakiness. Used most often when pan-frying, the flour coating adds flavor and helps to seal in juices.

What does soaking fish in Sprite do? ›

Use this method to take care of any fish slime, odors or after taste left on fresh fish fillets. Cut up your fillets then soak them in a bowl with Sprite or Seven-Up before cooking. Anywhere from five minutes minimum to two hours in the refrigerator will do the trick.

Is fish better in the pan or oven? ›

It is also worth noting that while baking is the better option over deep-frying or pan-frying, steaming and poaching are even better than baking in terms of locking in nutrients.

What fish is bad for your heart? ›

Fish that may contain higher levels of mercury include: Shark. Tilefish. Swordfish.

Why is flounder bad for you? ›

Though flounder are not poisonous or venomous, they can carry dangers. They can be parasite-infested and can absorb chemicals and pollutants from the water in which they live.

Is it better to pan fry fish in butter or oil? ›

Butter or oil for fish

Fry fish in a mixture of oil and butter, it creates more heat resistant frying fat. The oil should go in first. Wait until the butter stops spluttering and baste the fish during frying. Once you have fried a piece of fish in butter, you've virtually created your sauce in the pan.

Is it better to fry fish in flour or fish fry? ›

For how to fry fish that's just as crispy as what you get at a fish and chips restaurant, dip pieces of fish in a beer batter or several coatings of egg and seasoned flour before you fry it. It will come out a crisp, golden brown.

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