Ingredients:
- 1 pound fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal (or breadcrumbs for a different texture)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Tartar sauce (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Pat Dry:
- Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the batter adhere better.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- Set Up Breading:
- In one bowl, place the buttermilk. In another bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Step 3: Bread the Fish
- Coat the Fish:
- Dip each fish fillet into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge the fillet in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Heat Oil:
- In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when it reaches 350°F (175°C) or when a small amount of batter sizzles upon contact.
Step 5: Fry the Fish
- Fry the Fish:
- Carefully add the breaded fish fillets to the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Drain:
- Once cooked, transfer the fish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy fish hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side, if desired. This dish pairs well with coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- Fish Options: You can use any firm white fish for this recipe. Make sure the fillets are of even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, you can bake the breaded fish in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Enjoy your Crispy Fish Fry! It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to please seafood enthusiasts!